[3] Hailed as "a lyric soprano of unusual brightness, evenness and quality" by The New York Times and winner of several competition prizes,[4] Martin is acclaimed for her "beauty of voice and sensitive communication, receiving awards, medals and glowing reviews as a song recitalist, concert singer, and opera performer.
[7] Martin made her professional debut in 1981 as part of the Young Concert Artists Series; the New York Times review called her "promising" and said that "at her best, she displayed a talent and a temperament that could make her an important singer.
[9] Over the next few years, she received "awards, medals and glowing reviews as a song recitalist, concert singer and opera performer.
"[10] At the Met, she performed in operas like Boris Godunov, Don Carlo, Ariadne auf Naxos, Porgy and Bess, and Idomeneo.
"[6] She has also slowed her touring pace, saying, "I don't think that's a healthy way of life [...] I love going to the next city, but my jobs are spread out nicely.