Martin was a member of the MU for over 50 years.
David Martin Bowen was born in Neath in 1955. He first took up the bassoon at Neath Grammar School and showed early promise. He was selected to play in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and even freelanced with the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra whilst still a schoolboy.
Martin then trained at the Royal Academy of Music and, on graduating, began a successful freelance career, working with major London orchestras and in the West End. During this time, at a production of The Magic Flute in Taunton, he met Ania and proposed a month later.
A 40-year career with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
In 1982, he joined the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra (later the BBC National Orchestra of Wales), an orchestra to which he gave 40 years of dedicated service.
He enjoyed an enormous amount of respect not only from his colleagues in Cardiff but throughout the profession, particularly amongst fellow bassoonists. He was regarded as the ultimate professional, always willing to share his musical wisdom and his unrivalled collection of quiet bassoon fingerings! Many visiting players benefitted from his and Ania's warm hospitality.
Life beyond music
Away from the bassoon, he was an enthusiastic sportsman, playing for many years in the orchestral football team before becoming a founder member of the orchestral cricket team.
Cricket was a lifelong obsession and, when he stopped playing as a wicketkeeper, Martin qualified as an umpire, giving energetic service to the game during his all-too-brief retirement.
A gregarious and generous man, he had a large and loyal group of friends from music and beyond who miss him dearly.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, he leaves behind his wife, Ania, son, Sam, and two grandchildren, Freddie and Molly.
Martin joined the MU in 1973. This tribute has been written by his brother-in-law, John Cooper, a retired clarinettist with BBC NOW.