Oded Lev-Ari

Across a diverse range of work, GRAMMY-nominated composer Oded Lev-Ari showcases his own, individual soundprint, one of cinematic richness and open-hearted lyricism. He has created and collaborated on music that spans recordings, stage, and media, reflecting a genre-bending sensibility, expansive creativity, and unique ability to bring out the best in his collaborators.

In 2019, Oded conducted the premiere of his work Triple Helix: Concerto for Clarinet and Ensemble — commissioned by Carnegie Hall and Symphony Center Presents in Chicago, featuring iconic clarinetist Anat Cohen. The piece was hailed as “an Everest” and “a significant addition to the clarinet repertoire” by the Chicago Tribune. Also in 2019, Oded made his Lincoln Center debut directing performances of Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Company B.

Since 2018, Oded has been collaborating with neuroscientist Beau Lotto to explore the perception of music and sound. The two were featured in the NationalSawdust+ series in Brooklyn, and are developing additional presentations to debut in the 2021–2022 season.

Oded has written more than 1,000 arrangements and compositions for chamber and wind ensemble, big band and symphony orchestra, and a variety of jazz combos. The Washington Post called his arrangements on Anat Cohen’s album Noir “one of the finest jazz records of the year,” and NPR’s Morning Edition noted, “The arrangements on Noir are anything but black — they are life-affirming and intriguing.” Billboard magazine labeled his work “outstanding.”

“Putting lightning in a bottle is what Oded Lev-Ari specializes in,” said DownBeat magazine in a feature article on Oded as a producer. He released his debut album as a leader, Threading, in April 2015 via Anzic Records, the label he has owned and directed for over a decade alongside Anat Cohen.

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