Catherine Bent (cello, piano, composer, arranger) is a native of London, England and has lived in New York City for over ten years. She earned her first music degree from Vassar and subsequently studied Jazz and Afro-Cuban music in New York on piano and cello. She has studied improvisation with the Turtle Island String Quartet, Rob Thomas, Christian Howes, Garry Dial, Allan Chase, John McNeil, and Jerry Bergonzi.
She is on the artists' roster of Cirque du Soleil and played electric cello for Cirque's North American tour of "Quidam." She has also toured with Joe Jackson and Greg Osby and recorded with countless other artists. Her engagements are as diverse as the Palm Beach Opera and Dafnis Prieto's Absolute Quintet, and principal cellist of the One World Symphony.
Catherine has recently: Played at the Live Earth Festival at Giants Stadium with Kanye West, and on Saturday Night Live. Recorded with Bone Thugs 'n' Harmony. Played an Alzheimer's Benefit for the Feinstein Institute with Donna Summer. Spent a month making music at the Banff Centre and a week cycling the length of the Icefields Parkway. Performed with the NEC Brazilian Ensemble with Ben Sher. Played for The Moth's famous storytelling events.
For five years, Catherine directed the Orchestra and strings program at Columbia Grammar School. She continues to teach privately, and is committed to helping future generations of string players approach music creatively.
Catherine is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance at New England Conservatory. Amongst many things, she's learning Ghanaian Ewe drumming and Indian Ragas. Always, a new challenge. Next week, she's going to learn to scuba dive.
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