Stephen has single-handedly developed the art of counterpoint strumming and plucking for the cello and creates highly rhythmic solo compositions which incorporate melody and accompaniment into a single, idiomatic cello part. As a performer who uses live looping electronics to generate full ensemble textures from a single instrument, he has also distinguished himself as a creator of seamlessly integrated solo pieces that unfold loop-by-loop in concert.

Stephen Katz is a cellist, guitarist, and award winning composer. He premiered his cello compositions at Carnegie Recital Hall and performs frequently with the Paul Winter Consort. His repertoire of cello solo and ensemble compositions are studied and performed by cellists around the globe.

Stephen has worked extensively with dancers and choreographers, and has collaborated and performed with members of Pilobolus Dance Company, and has been a Visiting Artist at Amherst College. As a co- founder of the cello/movement/theater company Seen & Heard with the late dancer and monologist BJ Goodwin, he literally danced with the cello while accompanying the dramas they played out on stage.

Mr. Katz's score for the documentary film The Rich Have Their Own Photographers won the Jury Prize Gold Medal for Best Impact of Music in a Documentary at the 2007 Park City Film Music Festival. His solo recording First Person Singular features his songwriting, singing and guitar playing in addition to the cello, and was hailed by Connecticut Songsmith as "an incredible debut album by a new and important artist". His recent releases, Looking Up and Earthdance feature his looped compositions and improvisations. (Available through iTunes)

A native of San Francisco, Mr. Katz received a Master of Music degree from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and lives in Haydenville, Massachusetts with his wife Beth and son Olin.