In loving memory of Martin Lies Jr. - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Martin H. Lies Jr. 86, of New Smyrna Beach Florida passed away May 23, 2021. Martin was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, son of the late Martin H Lies, Sr. and Emma Holzman Lies. A talented vocalist Martin had a distinguished career in vocal education and entertainment. He graduated from Landon High School in Jacksonville, Fl and went on to Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fl receiving his Bachelor of Music with Honors in 1960. His studies continued and he received a full scholarship as protégé of John Brownlee at the Manhattan School of Music where he studied until 1962.
Martin had a distinguished teaching career which expanded over 50 years. He taught at Bronx Community College, C.W. Post College, Manhattan School of Music, Concordia College, Vassar College, Mannes College of Music and Metropolitan Vocal Art at Carnegie Hall. He was a recognized master teacher and expert in vocal technique and enjoyed working with young developing singers at the college level and established professionals.
In additional to his educational career, Martin was a talented performer. He made numerous guest appearances with orchestras and choruses throughout Europe, the United States and Canada with more than 2000 career performances. Some highlights include CBS Television premier of Sholom Secunda’s oratorio, “If Not Higher”, co-staring with Richard Tucker. , project three records with the Riverside Singers in 16th Century Spanish and English madrigals, Soloist Stravinsky Memorial Concert, Soloist Heritage Records, First NY performance of “Dies Natales” for solo tenor voice by Gerals Finzi., Soloist Buffalo Philharmonic and Schola Cantorum in “Carmina Burana’ and “ Cattuli Carmina” by Carl Orff., Special Services concert tours sponsored by the US Army for the civilian population in Italy and Austria as well as concerts for the military bases. He had principal roles in more than 20 Musicals at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, Hyannis, MA. And the Cleveland Musicarnival, Cleveland, OH.
Since his retirement in 1997, Martin became involved in vocal activities in the Daytona Beach area. He was the Tenor Soloist at Westminster-By-The- Sea Presbyterian Church, Daytona Beach, FL, and at First Presbyterian Church, New Smyrna Beach, FL, a member of the Bel Canto Singers, Port Orange, Fl, and had a private vocal studio for students of Spruce Creek High School and other individuals.
Martin was an advisor on career guidance and personal development to young artists referred by coaches and staff of the Metropolitan Opera, NY City opera and various management agencies including Columbia Artists Management. He served as adjudicator for the “National Federation of Music Clubs”, NY auditions and was a member of AGMA and AFTRA. He was a Finalist with Metropolitan Opera Auditions, NY regionals and winner of the Southeast division “National Association of Teachers of Singing” competition. His other interests include his family, reading, home computer, radio-controlled aircraft, and photography.
He is survived by: His Son Karl T. Lies of West Jordan, Utah and Daughter D. Elizabeth Martin of Huntington Beach, CA as well as 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.