Martin Kiszko Launches Heartchery at St Mary’s Church, Stoke Bishop

Martin Kiszko, born in 1958, is a British composer, musicologist, librettist, and poet, known for his work on film and television scores, as well as his environmental-themed poetry. A Leeds native who now has strong ties to Bristol, Martin’s poetry often combines humour, keen observation, and environmental advocacy, earning him recognition as a “green warrior” of contemporary verse.

The evening began with Martin’s trademark eco-conscious humour. Poems highlighted the absurdities of urban life—birds, litter, and even supermarket shopping—often peppered with Latin-inspired wordplay. He spoke passionately about caring for hedgehogs and the environment, drawing laughs while subtly inspiring reflection. A poem about grocery shopping, What You Got, had the audience nodding and chuckling at the relatable domestic satire.

The second half of the evening celebrated Martin Kiszko’s brand-new poetry collection, Heartchery. Guests were immersed in fresh material that showcased his signature wit, linguistic creativity, and environmental consciousness. Opening with Glove Story, Martin demonstrated his mastery of rhythm, wordplay, and imagery, immediately drawing the audience into the vibrant world of his latest work. Poems like Weight had the crowd laughing, chanting, and playfully interacting, while BB57198, inspired by his father’s bus badge, combined personal history with imaginative references, proving that Heartchery is a bold, inventive, and thoroughly engaging addition to Kiszko’s poetic portfolio.

Reflecting on his creative process, Martin told the audience, “When I write I feel led by words but don’t mean to sound spiritual,” highlighting the intuitive, playful, and often surprising way his poetry develops.

Adding to the atmosphere, the event included a stunning live classical piano performance from a talented Bristol–Clevedon musician, whose expressive playing perfectly complemented the mood of Martin’s poetry. A beautiful tango moment was also captured, reflecting the artistic diversity of the evening.

Sponsors played a key role in making the event possible. Thanks to Richardsons Willa, Techvolution, Blue Moon Photography, Halcyan, Tylor Rose, and Wishy, guests enjoyed a professionally organised and visually memorable evening, including photography capturing both performances and audience reactions.

Martin’s presence, with his resemblance to a Bill Bailey-esque figure, alongside his previous published works, highlighted the breadth of his creative achievements. The event reinforced his standing as a composer, poet, and cultural contributor, bridging music, literature, and environmental awareness. Guests left inspired by the combination of wit, wisdom, and artistry that defines Kiszko’s work.

St Mary’s Church provided the perfect setting for such a layered experience. Its gothic architecture added gravitas, while the intimate venue allowed for direct engagement between Martin and the audience, fostering a warm, communal atmosphere. The crowd, fully engaged from start to finish, reflected the strong local support for Bristol’s literary and artistic community.

The launch of Heartchery showcased Martin Kiszko not just as a poet, but as a performer, environmental advocate, and storyteller, whose work blends humour, personal reflection, and a deep awareness of the natural world. The evening was a memorable celebration of poetry, music, and community, leaving attendees eager to explore both Heartchery and Martin’s previous books.

For more on Martin Kiszko’s work, visit: Home | Kiszko

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