Informations
Facts
Born in Münster, Germany
Member since 01.09.1996
Biography
Because he came into the world with big hands, declared a great-uncle, the boy must learn the cello. This encouragement was gladly seized upon by his parents: that was the very instrument lacking for a family string quartet. And so Martin Menking began playing the cello at the age of nine, becoming a pupil of Heinrich Schiff and David Geringas and going on to win numerous prizes and distinctions. Master classes brought him into contact with, among others, Yo-Yo Ma, Boris Pergamenschikow, Janos Starker, Siegfried Palm and Isaac Stern as well as the Beaux Arts Trio and Alban Berg Quartet.
In 1994 he became assistant principal cellist of the Hamburg Radio (NDR) Symphony Orchestra, and two years later joined the Berliner Philharmoniker. Menking is involved in making chamber music with his colleagues in a number of different formations, most notably the »12 Cellists«, of whom he is managing director. He finds a balance with his professional activity in nature and in sport, of which his favourite forms are swimming, jogging, badminton, windsurfing and cycling.
Awards
First Prize, three Jugend musiziert competitions
Grant recipient, German Music Competition
Ensembles of the Berliner Philharmoniker
