Martin Ludenbach

Originally of German heritage, Martin began learning the double bass while living in Wales with Richard Lewis, continuing his studies at Guildhall School with Kevin Rundell and Tim Gibbs. During this time, he began his orchestral career freelancing with the John Wilson Orchestra and BBC NOW, now playing regularly with the Philharmonia and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as well as BBC NOW, BBC Concert Orchestra, Welsh National Opera and Heritage Orchestra. His work with London Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Camerata and London Mozart Players has led to guest principal work with each ensemble. And smaller scale still, he is fortunate to play chamber music with Ensemble Cymru, previously also with Sinfonia Cymru and Nidum Ensemble.

Double bass being an unlikely solo instrument, Martin has managed to play both Giovanni Bottesini’s Concerto No.2 in B Minor and Nino Rota’s Divertimento Concertante with orchestras, both in London and in Wales. Currently though, Martin is the bassist for the UK tour of Les Misérables. This came about following years deputising on versions in the Sondheim and Gielgud theatres, and on Phantom Of The Opera and Titanic in the West End. In the past, he was the bass guitarist for Dr Faustus and The Alchemist with the RSC in the Barbican and was a member of the ensemble in the actor-musician version of Ragtime in the Charing Cross Theatre 2016. This last show took him beyond the pit, requiring singing, dancing and bass playing to be managed simultaneously, all from memory of course! He is also the bassist for Paraorchestra’s Nature of Why, an immersive contemporary dance show where all the musicians are playing and dancing in amongst a mobile audience.

Berkeley Ensemble players

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