Musica Viva Australia - Untold Stories: Met by Music

A solo violinist walks onto the stage, and a pianist sits nearby as they prepare to share the spotlight. The audience applauds in anticipation of what’s to come. The two artists glance at each other, using eye contact and body language to signal the precise moment when the music begins.

There’s a common assumption that in such a scenario, the pianist will be there to support the soloist. But in a concert like Northern Lights, this dynamic couldn’t be further from the truth.

The chamber performance places Jennifer Marten-Smith and violinist Johan Dalene as equal partners in music. When you hear Jennifer play piano with the Swedish-Norwegian violinist, you’ll hear the spark of a new musical friendship. The brightness and spontaneity of their relationship will shine through every piece – and evolve with every stop of their tour.

'It’s an interesting concept – music being such a universal language that you can put two strangers together from opposite sides of the world, and because of this shared passion, they can form a bond so quickly,' Jennifer says.

'This is what Musica Viva have set up as a part of their amazing 80th anniversary year. What a privilege they have bestowed upon us!' 

Jennifer’s own connection with Musica Viva Australia goes back a number of years, and one memorable experience includes her performance with Avi Avital. It was during the pandemic, a last minute change in program. She met the mandolinist on the afternoon of their concert together in Tasmania, and they shared a 'unique, special bond' on stage.

No doubt a similar magic will weave its way into Northern Lights: 'I am really looking forward to my collaboration with Johan […] I have read and heard wonderful things about him.'

Photo credit: Luke Frost

Jennifer’s career has been as diverse as collaborating with musicians like Avi and Johan to performing as a soloist with major orchestras across the world.

She grew up in Tasmania and was just 16 years old when she made her debut as soloist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. She would later become the youngest artist to graduate from the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music.

Since childhood, Jennifer has divided her time between her home country and Europe for her education, solo performance career, and chamber music. But in 2012, it was time to come home to Hobart.

'My travelling life was always pretty stable – several years or more in different cities, in Australia and Germany,' Jennifer says.

'But still, 23 years of moving around and missing time spent with my mother and father with whom I had the closest bond. The decision to come back to Hobart was a perfect one for me.

'The weather suits me, the smaller city suits me, and there’s quite an abundance of music.'

Jennifer now teaches from home, 'passing on my love of playing and music to a younger generation'. 

She also champions the next generation of composers through her premiere performance of Jack Frerer’s Tilted Scales. The piece was commissioned for Johan and Jennifer – although she won’t give any spoilers about how it sounds.

It's a demanding program – and it’s performed on a tour spanning two weeks and six cities. Afterwards, Jennifer will return to some of the hobbies she enjoys most outside the piano. And, as with many of the Tasmanian musicians you’ll meet, her leisure activities involve nature.

'I love my garden. I grow a lot of roses and fruit trees,' Jennifer says. Her partner Steve is a gardener. 'I’d say he is less thrilled with the 80-plus rose bushes than I am!' she adds.

'My other great love is animals,' the pianist shares. After the tour, she’ll be welcoming a new dog into their home. 'I’m very excited about that.'

This is part of a series of Untold Stories, about the people behind the music at Musica Viva Australia. Play your part in the future story of Musica Viva Australia by making a gift in our 80th anniversary year. To discuss making a gift, please contact Zoe Cobden-Jewitt, zcobden-jewitt@musicaviva.com.au

2025 Concert Season