Venezuelan-born musician Igor Martinez discovered his passion for the humble Tuba at the age of 11; beginning his musical studies in the world-acclaimed social & orchestral program “El Sistema”, founded by Jose Antonio Abreu.
As a soloist, Martinez has performed a number high profile concerts across South America, including:
- The Venezuelan premiere of the Frank Bencriscutto’s Tuba Concertino
- The South American premiere of the tuba concerto ‘BANDSTERIX & TUBELIX for Tuba and Wind Band
For 6 years, Martinez was Principal and Solo Tuba of the Simon Bolivar Youth Symphony Band, where he was fortunate enough to tour Venezuela, Colombia, and Europe.
Notably, Martinez has also recorded as Principal Tuba on the debut album of SBYSB Mambos y Fanfarrias, under the baton of Thomas Clamor, before his appointment as Principal Tuba on the Municipal Symphony Orchestra of Caracas, conducted by Rodolfo Saglimbeni.
Martinez is also the main tuba/euphonium teacher at the Simon Bolivar Music Conservatory, and a passionate arranger and composer of chamber music for brass.