Photo by Silviadelafuente©
The 2025–2026 season marks Pascual Martínez-Forteza’s 25th anniversary with the New York Philharmonic, where he made history as the orchestra’s first and only Spanish musician to this date. Known for his rich, expressive tone and impeccable technique, Pascual has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Throughout his career, he has played under the baton of legendary conductors such as Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, Riccardo Muti, Bernard Haitink, Semyon Bychkov, Sir Simon Rattle, with whom he performed as guest principal clarinet with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Gustavo Dudamel, NYPhil’s appointed Music Director. Each year, Pascual performs more than 200 concerts as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, including guest appearances with the Toronto Symphony (under the baton of Music Director Gustavo Gimeno), Philadelphia Orchestra, and Dallas Symphony…
A defining aspect of his career is his long-standing partnership with Spanish pianist Gema Nieto, which began over 20 years ago with their debut at Carnegie Hall. Together as Duo Forteza-Nieto, they received the New York Sunshine Award in 2017 for their significant contribution to Spanish and Latin music worldwide. Their programs often explore Spanish, French, and American repertoire, delivered with a blend of artistry and authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences.
Beyond performing, Pascual is a dedicated educator. He holds faculty positions at the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, Bard Conservatory, and serves as an auxiliary teacher at The Juilliard School. He regularly offers masterclasses internationally, including at the Shanghai Orchestra Academy and the Buffet Crampon Summer Festival, and serves on juries for major clarinet competitions worldwide, such as the Debussy International Clarinet Competition (Paris), Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition (USA), Concurso Nacional del Perú, Young Artist at ICE, CIC (Ciudad de Lima), UNAEM (Ciudad de México), to name a few.
Originally from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Pascual began studying with his father Pascual V. Martinez furthered his training at the conservatory of Barcelona before completing advanced studies with Yehuda Gilad at the University of Southern California, where he won First Prize at the USC Concerto Competition performing Jean Francaise Clarinet Concerto. He is an exclusive Buffet Crampon and Vandoren Artist.
