British composer Steve Martland died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of just 53 on May 6th 2013. Martland was born in Liverpool and studied at Liverpool University attending the Royal Conservatory in the Hague on a Mendelssohn scholarship. He studied with Louis Andriessen and then later with Gunther Schuller at the Berkshire Music Centre in Massachusetts.
Martland worked almost exclusively with artists outside classical institutions. His own band, The Steve Martland Band, as well as freelance musicians, Dutch and American groups. He was composer in residence at the ETNA Music Festival in Sicily (2006-7) and his music was published by Schott Music.
Martland’s music can be described as electric; powerful, muscular, rhythmic and exciting, combining elements of jazz, rock, folk and minimalism. He often wrote for small groups featuring many different instrument combinations. He was also an active force in the field of music education and was not afraid to speak his mind on political issues.
A tribute to Martland is being held on 5th June 2013 at the Nonclassical club, The Macbeth, 70 Hoxton Street in London at 8pm.
Performers include: members of the Steve Martland Band, Piano Circus, Gabriella Swallow, John Metcalfe, Richard Lannoy and more to be announced from those who have known, crossed paths with and were influenced by him.
Photo above: Steve Martland, 1959-2013. Photograph: Schott Promotion
