Michelle Martens

Orchestra Member

Instrument

Cello

Year Joined

2003

Most memorable performance with the ESO

All the Christmas concerts! I can’t wait year after year to play Sleigh Ride! Not kidding.

Favorite ESO soloist

Rachel Barton-Pine

Why I like playing with the ESO

Since I joined the ESO in 2003, I have made lasting friendships with a diverse group of people from different walks of life who share a common bond – the love of playing music. The ESO gives me an outlet and the opportunity as an orchestral musician to perform symphonic works at a high level of artistry.

Favorite composer or piece

It’s a tie between Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov and Dvořák’s New World Symphony.

When I’m not playing with the ESO, I’m…

I have a wonderfully supportive husband, John, and two beautiful daughters – Lucy (5) and Lily (4), who have started learning the cello as well! I am an OB/GYN physician practicing at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center. I also love to cook, I’m a foodie who loves to eat, and I enjoy long-distance running, traveling and knitting.

Something most people don’t know about me

One of my life’s goals is to run a full marathon on every continent. I’ve run four of seven so far, including Antarctica!