Martha de Francisco Receives Honorary Title from the Royal Conservatoire

On Saturday 17 October 2026, the Royal Conservatoire The Hague awarded Martha de Francisco the title of Maestra Honoris Causa. The ceremony took place at the Grote Kerk, following the performance of the War Requiem. The distinction recognises her outstanding contribution to sound recording, musical research and education.

Martha de Francisco has established a prominent international career as a music producer, researcher and educator. She has worked with leading performers worldwide and is an Associate Professor of Sound Recording at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Her work is closely connected to the origins of the Art of Sound programme and its focus on classical music recording.

Combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of music, Martha has helped establish recording as an art form in its own right. She is also deeply committed to education, sharing her knowledge through teaching, publications, lectures and international conferences.

For the Art of Sound department, Martha is also an important role model. Her achievements can inspire female students to pursue careers in audio and music technology, supporting the department's ambition to improve gender diversity in the profession.

The title also expresses appreciation for Martha's longstanding relationship with Art of Sound, the knowledge she has shared and the students she has inspired. Her work connects performance, technology, research and education, enriching the musical community.

Maestro Honoris Causa

On the occasion of the Conservatoire’s 200th anniversary, the honorary title Maestro Honoris Causa is awarded. This special distinction honours individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the arts and to their field. The Maestri form a lasting source of inspiration for the Conservatoire’s students, teachers and alumni.

As a symbol of this recognition, the Maestri receive a unique artwork from the series Things We Carry by artist Pim Schumacher. This series reflects the connections we share as people: our relationships, our stories and our sense of community. The artwork highlights not only the individual achievements of the Maestro, but also their significance within a larger whole.