Karen Ouzounian

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. She is a founding member of the Aizuri Quartet, currently the string quartet-in-residence at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Her commitment to adventurous repertoire and the collaborative process has led to her membership in the Grammy-nominated, self-conducted chamber orchestra A Far Cry, and the critically-acclaimed new music collective counter)induction. She has additionally performed with such ensembles as Trio Cavatina, The Knights, IRIS Orchestra, and as guest principal of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Her 2014-2015 season includes a Musicians from Marlboro tour, a return recital at Caramoor with pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute, and tours throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe. In addition, she serves as acting principal of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia.

Highlights of Karen’s recent seasons include a recital at the Caramoor International Music Festival and a Musicians from Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute tour. She has collaborated with renowned artists Pamela Frank, Miriam Fried, Richard Goode, Kim Kashkashian, Donald Weilerstein, and members of the Guarneri Quartet. Festivals include the Marlboro Music Festival, the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute, the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts’ Evnin Rising Stars, and the Open Chamber Music Seminar at Prussia Cove (UK). Born to Armenian parents in Toronto, Karen was a prizewinner at the 2012 Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank Competition. She holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees from The Juilliard School, where she was a student of Timothy Eddy.