Martin Lass

Martin Lass (born 1958) is an American violinist and astrologer, who has spent many years in Australia.

Martin Lass was born in Chicago in 1958. His mother was of Hungarian ancestry, and claimed she had some Romany blood. He became interested in the violin at the age of 8, when he saw a television documentary about Yehudi Menuhin. His family migrated to Australia when he was 11. He studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, then joined the Australian Chamber Orchestra for four years. He also played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.

Lass's desire for a solo career led him to Bert Newton's New Faces in 1982, winning the Grand Final and People Choice awards. Then a touring career ensued, in which he combined classical, gypsy and popular genres including jazz, bluegrass and Celtic. He has also written much original material. He appeared as the Fiddler in two seasons of Fiddler on the Roof in Sydney.

He was a frequent television performer, and also supported major stars such as Luciano Pavarotti, Julio Iglesias and Joan Baez. He won the Mo Award for Instrumental Excellence seven years running (1984–90) and was voted the Variety Club Artist of the Year 1990. He recorded 10 CDs and sold over 250,000 albums.

He returned to the United States for ten years, but has returned to Australia.

Martin Lass's piano accompanist is his American-born wife Inge, who made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 14 and studied at the New England Conservatory from age 16. They have three children and two grandchildren.

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