Examiner Profile: MARTIN GRIFFITHS

MARTIN GRIFFITHS M.Mus, Ph.D (University of Waikato 2012) Martin began his initial cello lessons with AnneMarie Meijers and Coral Bognuda. He is principal cellist of the Opus Orchestra (Waikato/Bay of Plenty), Waikato Baroque and Kowhai Baroque and has appeared as soloist with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the University of Maine Orchestra (Orono). He has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Auckland Chamber Orchestra and was formerly a member of the Auckland Sinfonietta. In 2007 he was a PhD Scholarship recipient, Norah Howell prize winner (University of Waikato) and Arts Waikato Scholarship recipient. In 2012 he broadcast “Arnold Trowell: colonial cellist and composer” on Concert FM. In October 2013 he performed “Katherine Mansfield, cellist,” throughout the North Island. Martin has presented papers at several international symposiums including the 2009 Adam International Cello Competition in Christchurch. Martin teaches cello and chamber music at his home in Hamilton East. He teaches cello and double bass at Hillcrest High School in Hamilton and at Saint Peter’s School in Cambridge. From 2000 to 2007 he was conductor of the Waikato Youth Orchestra. Several of his cello students have been members of the NZ Youth Orchestra and accepted into the cello performance programmes at the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland. Martin’s students have featured in the winning ensembles of the Waikato district National Chamber Music Competition every year 2009-2013. He is a qualified secondary school teacher and a registered Suzuki teacher.