Karen Ouzounian

Photo: Shervin Lainez

Described as “radiant” and “expressive” (The New York Times) and “nothing less than gorgeous” (Memphis Commercial Appeal), cellist Karen Ouzounian approaches music-making with a deeply communicative and passionate spirit. Winner of the S&R Foundation's 2016 Washington Award and at home in diverse musical settings, she is drawn towards unusual collaborations and eclectic contemporary repertoire. Karen is a founding member of the Aizuri Quartet, which was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2018 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition, First Prize at the 2017 Osaka International Chamber Music Competition in Japan, and was the String Quartet-in-Residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for its 2017-18 season. Its debut album Blueprinting, a collection of works written for the Quartet by Lembit Beecher, Yevgeniy Sharlat, Caroline Shaw, Gabriella Smith and Paul Wiancko, was released by New Amsterdam Records and nominated for a 2019 GRAMMY Award. Highlights of Karen’s recent and upcoming seasons include concerto appearances with the Orlando Philharmonic, Greater Bridgeport Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra of Santiago, international tours with the Silkroad Ensemble, Mark Morris Dance Group and The Knights, a tour of Japan with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, recitals at the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, and performances with Musicians from Marlboro. In addition to her work with the Aizuri Quartet, Karen collaborates regularly with the Silkroad Ensemble, The Knights and A Far Cry, and has performed as guest principal of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Born to Armenian parents in Toronto, Karen holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees from The Juilliard School, where she was a student of Timothy Eddy. She resides in New York City with her husband, composer Lembit Beecher. More info at www.karenouzounian.com