Isabelle Ganz

Isabelle Ganz

The New York Times has called Isabelle Ganz “a virtuosic” performer. This accomplished American mezzo-soprano explores the world of today’s composers, as well as the classics of the mezzo literature. She has appeared as vocal soloist with symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the world, including the Seattle Symphony under the direction of Gerard Schwartz, the Brooklyn Philharmonic under the baton of Lukas Foss, and the Slovak Radio Orchestra directed by Robert Black. Works she has premiered include Ryoanji for Voice and Percussion by John Cage, written for her and percussionist Michael Pugliese and recorded by them for Mode Records. A specialist in theatrical works, her performance as the “Proprietess of the Café de Chinita” in The Houston Ballet’s production of The Cruel Garden was called “riveting” and “compelling” by the press. Her Sephardic music ensemble, Alhambra, based in New York, has toured Europe, South America, Turkey, and the US. Ms. Ganz has received a Fulbright grant to teach voice and 20th century music at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem (1997) as well as a Solo Recitalist Grant from the US National Endowment for the Arts (1992-93). She conducts master classes and workshops in contemporary vocal techniques throughout Europe, as well as in America. She has produced over 20 recordings, primarily of works by living composers and of Sephardic music from Turkey and the Balkans.