Austrian Cellist Appointed To University

Austrian Cellist Appointed To University

One of Austria’s most acclaimed young cellists has been appointed to The University of Auckland’s School of Music.

Vienna-based Martin Rummel is a performer and music educator whose talents are hailed internationally. His teacher, William Pleeth (who was also responsible for the musical development of the legendary Jacqueline du Pré) describes Martin as a “performer of outstanding merit, a highly talented cellist and musician”. His performances have been described as inspiring fascination [among his audience] caused by brilliant playing; one engagement was praised simply as a concert of superlatives.

Born in 1974, Martin has featured on the international musical scene as a soloist and chamber musician for more than fifteen years, playing at some of the world’s leading venues and ensembles. The youngest graduate at the time of what is today the Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität, Martin went on to further his studies with Maria Kliegel at the Musikhochschule in Cologne. He has currently premiered more than 20 new works, amongst which are five cello concertos, and he has played countless national premieres. Martin's repertoire includes some 35 cello concertos, ranging from the Baroque to the present.

Martin has also gained worldwide recognition for his print editions and accompanying text volumes of various cello studies for the Bärenreiter-Verlag. He has also taught at international summer academies and given master classes throughout Europe and Asia.

Head of School Professor Robert Constable says Martin Rummel is a distinguished cellist who will add a great dimension to the teaching and performing profile of the School of Music.

“The work at the School will be greatly enhanced by the presence of Martin Rummel. He is a leading European cellist and I anticipate he will have a major impact in New Zealand and Australia and particularly on the students at the School of Music,” he says.

Martin himself says he is delighted to have been appointed as senior lecturer in violoncello at the School. He is taken not only by the beauty of New Zealand (where he visited for the first time earlier in the year) but the reputation of the School of Music and The University of Auckland as a whole.

“I am honoured to be part of such an internationally renowned University, and I find it very exciting to have the chance to split my life between both hemispheres. I was most impressed by the dedication of the School’s students and staff, who are of high calibre as performers and music educators. I also look forward to helping fou΅d a new cello tradition in Auckland, and I hope to be a link between Europe's and New Zealand's musical worlds.

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.

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