About Me
From the streets of Prague to the stages of New York, I have always felt that music is the language that connects us all. My journey began in a city rich with history and culture, where the sounds of classical music and jazz filled my childhood. Growing up in Prague, I was surrounded by a vibrant artistic community, and it wasn’t long before I found my own place within it, mastering instruments like the piano, violin, and flute at an early age.
My formal musical education started at the Jan Neruda Grammar School, where I studied classical music and French horn under the incredible guidance of Prof. Vladimira Klánská from 1999 to 2007. These formative years were more than just about learning notes and scales; they were about discovering the emotional depth that music could offer. It was here that I began to understand the power of music to tell stories and to convey emotions that words often cannot.
In 2008, I took a leap into vocal studies at the Prague Conservatory, where I trained under Naďa Wepperová and Hana Pecková. This was a transformative period for me, as I found my voice—both literally and figuratively. Singing became a way to express my inner world, and I realized that my voice could resonate in ways that felt deeply personal and universal at the same time.
My passion for jazz music led me to Berlin in 2011, where I was accepted into the Jazz Institute Berlin at the Berlin University of the Arts. This chapter of my life was marked by intense growth and exploration. Working with renowned American musicians like David Friedman, Greg Cohen, Kurt Rosenwinkel and John Hollenbeck pushed me to new creative heights. In July 2016, I had the honor of graduating with a final concert titled “Martina Barta & Her Jazz Orchestra”, featuring my own big band, a performance that felt like a true culmination of everything I had learned and lived.
But the journey didn’t end there. The call of jazz and the desire to challenge myself further took me across the Atlantic to New York City. I pursued a Master’s degree in Jazz Arts at the Manhattan School of Music, supported by a DAAD scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service) and a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture Czech Republic. Studying under the guidance of masters like Buster Williams, Ingrid Jensen, Marc Cary and Theo Bleckmann was an experience that deepened my understanding of jazz as both an art form and a way of life. I completed my Master’s in May 2023, feeling more connected to my craft than ever before.
Since 2011, I’ve had the privilege of performing as a soloist with the distinguished Czech Big Band led by famous Czech clarinetist Felix Slováček. I also regularly perform with the Big Band of the Deutsche Oper Berlin in Germany. In 2019, I had the privilege of forming a duo with the exceptional jazz vibraphonist and composer David Friedman. This collaboration has been a source of immense inspiration and creativity for me. Each concert we perform together brings its own unique atmosphere, making every experience fresh and deeply engaging. Another highlight has been working with my sister, Kristina Barta, an acclaimed Czech jazz pianist and composer. Together, we won the Best Jazz Song of the Year at the 2016 Bohemia JazzFest for our composition “Find Peace of Mind.” Making music with family is something truly special, and I treasure every note we create together.
In 2017, I had the incredible honor of representing my homecountry, the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “My Turn.” It was a moment of immense pride and connection, as I shared my voice with millions of listeners around the world.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of performing at some of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions, including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, and Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. Each performance is an opportunity to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level, and it’s a privilege I never take for granted.
Today, I find myself constantly moving between Berlin, Prague, and New York, each city offering its own unique rhythm and inspiration. My goal is simple: to continue exploring, creating, and sharing music that touches the heart and soul. Music is my way of connecting with the world, and I am excited to see where this journey will take me next.
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