Eoin Schmidt-Martin – violist

Eoin is a member of the Carducci String Quartet. An internationally renowned Anglo-Irish string quartet based in the UK, the versatile and award-winning Carducci have performed everything from brand new quartets, classic works by Haydn, complete Shostakovich cycles, and even partnered with folk-rock icon Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Described by The Strad as presenting “a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose, in which severity could melt seamlessly into charm, and drama into geniality″, the Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today’s most successful string quartets. Performing over 90 concerts worldwide each year the quartet also run an annual Carducci festival in Highnam, Gloucester. They are quartet in residence at Dean Close in Cheltenham, where they teach young string players and coach chamber music. Eoin has also been working for a number of years as a portrait and headshot photographer.

What has creating art meant to you over the last year?

While my portrait and headshot photography was also severely impacted by the pandemic, I never lost my enthusiasm and love for the art. I used a lot of this difficult time researching new techniques and experimenting digitally with post processing manipulation. I was also fortunate to have willing subjects in the form of my two beautiful daughters…