They called him “Canada’s Prince of Piano”—but Martin Mayer is far more than a title. He’s a musical storyteller who doesn’t just play notes—he sculpts landscapes with sound, bridging continents, cultures, and hearts through his unique blend of instrumental fusion. With a style that seamlessly weaves together classical precision, jazz fluidity, pop flair, and cinematic drama, Mayer’s music is at once bold and breathtakingly intimate.
Born in the Czech Republic and raised in Canada, Martin’s journey began not in a concert hall, but in a fourth-grade choir practice, where the glint of a piano key first captured his imagination. That spark ignited a fire. At just 18, he took out a $35,000 bank loan—not for a car or college, but to produce his dream concert. A 20-piece orchestra. A full recording crew. No safety net. The result? A live album, a national award nomination, and an international tour offer that would launch his career into the stratosphere.
That offer led to a historic 16-city tour across China—the largest of any artist in the country’s modern era at the time. From Beijing to Guangzhou, every seat was filled. Every show, sold out. And millions tuned in on Chinese national television to watch a young Canadian pianist set stages ablaze with emotion, energy, and elegance. That tour earned him the nickname that stuck—and the global following that never stopped growing.
From sold-out festivals in Taiwan and orchestral collaborations in Prague, to collaborating with Grammy winners and charting on international radio, Martin Mayer’s resume reads like a roadmap of musical milestones. His albums—including *Live in Concert*, *Unbreakable*, and the holiday hit *Carol of the Bells*—have reached ears in over 200 countries, lit up 16,000 retail soundscapes, and reached 20 million listeners globally.
But Martin’s true artistry lies in connection. Whether performing for thousands or recording alone with his piano, he plays with the unshakable belief that music speaks the language of the soul.
In his new studio album, Mayer revisits his musical roots with *The Solo Piano Collection*, a deeply personal retrospective spanning 25 years of his career. The accompanying sheet music book invites pianists to play the works as they were performed—flairs, improvisations, and all—furthering the intimate connection he shares with his audience.
Offstage, Mayer continues to give back—supporting cancer research, arts education, autism awareness, and community causes that echo his deep gratitude for the audiences who’ve shared this journey with him.
Martin Mayer doesn’t just perform. He invites the world to feel—then leaves them forever changed!
Name:
Martin Mayer
Genre:
Oh, what is it called these days: Neoclassical, Classical-Crossover. I say that because it’s been called so many different things since I got started. New Age, Contemporary Instrumental, Instrumental Fusion and so on.
Founded:
1995
# of Albums:
7, plus 4 singles
Latest Album:
The Solo Piano Collection
Latest Single:
“Heart of an Angel” – featuring Grammy-winning Violinist Charlie Bisharat
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Elton John – he’s such an icon, and I just love the stories he can pull out of his piano.
Favourite musician now:
Secret Garden – they’re the original masters of my genre of music.
Guilty pleasure song:
“In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes … guilty pleasure only because I will blast it and sing out loud, and I don’t care who hears me ‘sing’ hahaha!
Live show ritual:
Tea: Earl Grey, Hot – before the show; amazing dinner for hours – after.
Favourite local musician:
Bryan Adams
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Definitely night owl. I’m not a morning person in any way. When someone says “8 a.m.” my usual answer is “8 a.m in the MORNING?!?!”
Road or studio?
Studio on the road. It’s really the best of both worlds!
Any shows or albums coming up?
My new album – The Solo Piano Collection – is out now and is accompanied by a sheet music book of the same name. I’ve had albums before, but this is my very first book, so it’s truly special for me. And, it’s available at Indigo, among all the other usual book retailers!
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Black + Blue. I absolutely L-O-V-E their Beef Wellington. Runner up – even though you didn’t ask – Marcello’s Pizzeria.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Haro Street. It’s where I first lived when I moved to Vancouver.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Belcarra Regional Park in Anmore. I love walking around Sassamat Lake. It’s super peaceful!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
The Orpheum.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Sadly, it no longer exists, but the old HMV on Robson and Burrard was my fave.
