Kiwi bass singer to mentor young performing artists in Europe
The Dame Malvina Major Foundation has appointed renowned bass singer Martin Snell to mentor and support young performing
artists training in Europe.
Otago born and raised but now based in Switzerland, Mr Snell has more than20 years’ international experience in
professional singing, and has received many awards and scholarships, including winning the 1993 Mobil Song Quest.
He says he is only too pleased to advise and encourage younger musical talent in their quest to pursue both study and a
career within and beyond New Zealand’s shores.
“It is an opportunity to give something back, albeit intangible and non-monetary in value, just as I have been similarly
freely advised by many professional leaders. With the passage of time and through my own natural curiosity, I have
gathered considerable knowledge through experience of the music profession and related travel in a number of countries.”
Mr Snell says the scarcity of public and private financial resources at home must be balanced against the not
insubstantial financial requirements of postgraduate studies, particularly in these trying times amidst the shifting
sands of access to the employment market beyond those studies.
“I encourage aspiring young artists, not limited to singers, to chase every chance that may present itself or seek to
create any opportunity that they can for themselves. Ultimately, it comes down to being in the right place at the right
time combined with the individual’s and tutors’ abilities but tempered by realism.”
Dame Malvina says the Foundation was looking forward to working with Martin to provide support and advice to the
Foundation’s young artists who are studying away from home.
“While funding is critical for these young New Zealanders training offshore, success is founded on a lot more than
financial investment. We are very holistic in our view of how we can help grow the next generation of talent.”