Nina Martin (20) is a composer and saxophonist, currently studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, and before that at the Royal Northern College of Music. Her compositional journey began aged 15 when her first composition for string quartet was performed three times at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall by string players from the RLPO. Nina’s awards include the Peter Redfearn Prize for Composition, Highly Commended in the BBC Young Composer Competition and First Prize winner of the Sandbach Concert Series Young Musician. Nina has had works premiered by the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Orchestra, Equilibrium Quartet, RNCM and RWCMD Saxophone Choir amongst others.
Nina’s works have been featured in the Sound and Music British Music Collection, in collaborations with the Royal Northern Ballet School and on UK Selector Radio. Her most recent commission was performed at the Bute Park Christmas Lights Show 2024/25 alongside the new installation Mycelium Network. Within her work, Nina is often driven by environmental activism as it has long been a focus for her to take inspiration from nature.
Betws-y-Coed is Nina’s first piece for brass band and was inspired by her first solo backpacking trip to Betws-y-Coed in Wales. Whilst exploring, she wrote musical ideas based on the bubbling of the river, the contour of the surrounding hills and the feeling of joy when immersed in the natural habitat. However, in her piece this joy is tinged with tension and nostalgia, representing doubts whether this beautiful place will be around in years to come as we battle the climate crisis. The romantic theme of the work can be considered to represent both a tragic romance and a battle between the human race and the natural world.
Find out more about Nina and her work on her Instagram channel and her website.
