Percussion

• http://www.myspace.com/kroommusic

Since moving to Tel Aviv in 1993, American percussionist Karen Phenpimon-Zehavi has established herself as one of Israel's top freelance percussionists, equally at home in diverse styles of baroque, classical, modern and rock music. She has performed as a guest musician with all of the important Israeli orchestras (including the Israel Philharmonic, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony), chamber groups (Musica Nova, 21st Century Ensemble) and festivals (Israel Festival, Biennale for Contemporary Music, Kfar Blum Chamber Music Days). She is currently principal timpanist with the Israel Camerata Jerusalem and a member of the alt-noise group 'Quetev Meriri' and alt-rock band 'Talya Eliav'.

Karen has toured throughout North America, Europe and Asia, performing as a percussionist, timpanist and drummer with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Michel Corboz, Yuri Temirkanov and Andrew Parrott in festivals such as Bang On a Can (NY), Cabrillo Music Festival (CA), Wurzburg Days of New Music (Germany), CMJ Music Marathon (NY) and MIDEM (France). She has recorded for PBS, Canal +, Composers Recording International and holds degrees in music and performance from the University of California at Santa Cruz (BA, honors) and the State University of New York at Stony Brook (MM, percussion). Principal teachers include William Winant (John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, Kronos String Quartet, Sonic Youth, Mr. Bungle) and Raymond Des Roches (Group for Contemporary Music, New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, Elektra-Nonesuch recording artist).