Lois Martin, a native of York, Penna., began her viola studies with Arthur Lewis at the Peabody Preparatory School. She completed her undergraduate work at the Eastman School of Music where she was a scholarship student of Francis Tursi. During this time, she was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. She continued her graduate studies at the Juilliard School under the tutelage of Lillian Fuchs.

Ms. Martin is a founding member of the Atlantic String Quartet, which is dedicated to the performance of newly written compositions. Her continuing commitment to contemporary music includes performances with the Group for Contemporary Music, ISCM Chamber Players, Ensemble Sospeso, Ensemble 21, New York New Music Ensemble, Speculum Musicae, Composersʻ Guild, Da Capo Chamber Players, Composers Forum and Steve Reich and Musicians.

On the Jazz and Popular circuit, she has performed with artists including Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Ornette Coleman, Esperanza Spalding, String Fever, Shirley Bassey, Elton John, Paul Simon, Tyne Daley, Gil Goldstein, Don Alias, Richard Bona, and Mike Mainieri.

Currently, Ms. Martin is Principal Violist for the Stamford Symphony, OK Mozart Festival and The Little Orchestra Society. She is a member of the Orchestra of St. Lukeʼs, American Chamber Ensemble, and frequently appears with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra and New York City Ballet Orchestra. Ms. Martin is also on the faculty of the Composersʼ Conference at Wellesley College and has taught at Princeton University.

Including her recording of the “Viola Variations”- her commission by Charles Wuorinen- Ms. Martin has recorded the works of over 50 contemporary composers She premiered the “Viola Variations” at Merkin Hall in New York in the fall of 2008 and also had the opportunity to play it at the Library of Congress in 2009 for Wuorinenʼs 70th birthday celebration.

Recent highlights include a world tour with Grammy Award recipient Esperanza Spalding.