Martin Cousin is now regarded as one of the most exceptional pianists of his generation, having been awarded 1st Prize at the 2005 Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competition (Seregno, Italy) and Gold Medal at the 2003 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition (London).

Martin has appeared regularly in the major British musical venues since graduating from the Royal College of Music, making his London solo debut at the Purcell Room in 1998. Numerous solo recitals followed, notably at the Wigmore Hall in 2001 and 2005.He has performed as concerto soloist with the London Philharmonic, Halle, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia and BBC Concert Orchestras. Performances further afield have included tours of New Zealand, the US, Italy and concerts in Stockholm, Brussels, Toronto, Tokyo, Berne and The Hague.

 

2006 saw the release of his debut CD of Rachmaninov's Sonata No 1 and Morceaux de Salon with SOMM Recordings, which was selected as Classical CD of the week by the Daily Telegraph, with Geoffrey Norris stating that, "Martin Cousin's debut disc establishes a striking new benchmark for the interpretation of Rachmaninov's 1st Piano Sonata ..... has discretion, judgment, perception and formidable technique." The US magazine Fanfare added, "This is the performance of the 1st Sonata that I have always heard in my head but never thought I'd actually get to hear with my ears. This guy's the Real Deal!"

His second CD for SOMM, featuring Glazunov's piano sonatas, was released in 2010 to great acclaim, with Gramophone stating that the new release is "in every way, an impressive disc" and International Piano remarking "this new disc showcases playing that is both seemingly effortless in its technique and yet utterly natural and sympathetic in its musical narrative and characterisation."

Highlights of the last three seasons have included Rachmaninov's 2nd Concerto with the Philharmonia at Barbican Hall and Royal Festival Hall, Grieg's Concerto at Symphony Hall, Mozart's Concerto K488 at Royal Festival Hall and a solo recital at Wigmore Hall.

Alongside his solo schedule, chamber music has taken him to Prague, Tokyo, Indonesia and Thailand, Zimbabwe and Barbados and he is a founder member of the Aquinas Piano Trio. 

Martin's hands are also featured on the big screen in the Oscar-winning film "Shine", for the scenes involving Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto.