Ziv Kartaginer’s 'Piece in the Middle East': A Genre-Defying Live Experience

Ziv Kartaginer, the renowned trumpet player, composer, and arranger, has long been celebrated for his unique ability to blend Middle Eastern musical roots with jazz, classical, rock and beyond. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Ziv completed a double major in Performance and Contemporary Writing and Production. During his time at Berklee, he arranged for major productions and notably crafted a featured arrangement for Nu Deco Ensemble’s collaboration with pop artist Betty Who.

As the founder of The Middle Eastern Big Band, Ziv has continually pushed the boundaries of musical fusion. Through bold arrangements, intricate orchestration and inspired improvisation, he has created a genre-defying sound that resonates across cultures. His performances as both a soloist and ensemble member have taken him to festivals and concert halls throughout the Middle East, Europe and the United States.

Piece in the Middle East, Ziv Kartaginer’s latest live album, captures this innovative spirit. Recorded on 25th November 2024 in Boston, the album features original compositions and arrangements by Ziv, performed by The Middle Eastern Big Band, an eighteen-piece ensemble comprising horns, strings, a rhythm section and traditional Middle Eastern instruments, accompanied by two guest vocalists.

Eclectic and expansive, the album seamlessly merges elements of jazz, classical music, Middle Eastern motifs, hard rock and more. Each track showcases the ensemble’s technical precision and Ziv’s visionary compositional style, creating a listening experience that is at once adventurous, vibrant and deeply rooted in cultural fusion.

Piece in the Middle East stands as a testament to Ziv Kartaginer’s ongoing commitment to musical exploration, proving once again that the crossroads of tradition and innovation can produce something truly extraordinary.