Odaline de la Martinez is an influential Cuban-American conductor and composer whose work and leadership have made significant contributions to the classical music landscape. Born on March 26, 1949, in Matanzas, Cuba, de la Martinez moved to the United States at a young age where her musical prowess soon became evident. She studied at Tulane University and later at the Royal Academy of Music in London, a city that would become central to her career.

Renowned for her versatility and advocacy for under-represented composers, Martinez has a keen interest in championing the works of women and contemporary artists. As a conductor, she has earned considerable acclaim for her interpretive insight and passion, becoming the first woman to conduct a complete opera at the BBC Proms, with her historic performance of Ethel Smyth's "The Wreckers" in 1984. This commitment also resonates through her discography which showcases a diverse range of composers.

Martinez's dedication to contemporary music is further evident in the establishment of Lontano, a chamber ensemble she co-founded in 1976, dedicated to the performance of new music. Under her leadership, the ensemble has premiered numerous works and recorded extensively, bringing contemporary classical music to the forefront. Her most recent releases, such as "Ethel Smyth: Songs & Ballads" and the Silvina Milstein’s "Chamber Works" series, exemplify her ongoing contribution to the field by spotlighting the complex tapestry of modern chamber music. Additionally, her work as a composer has seen her engaging with various themes and musical idioms, enriching the genre with works such as "The Crossing" and opera "Imoinda." Through her pioneering efforts and masterful musicianship, Odaline de la Martinez has left an indelible mark on the classical music world.

Genres

Experimental

Contemporary Classical

Classical

Avant-garde

Opera

Choral

Latin Classical

Latest Release

Ethel Smyth: Songs & Ballads

Odaline de la Martinez

Album - 17 Tracks - Released March 20, 2020