Ziv Kartaginer is a trumpet player, composer, arranger, and musical director whose work blends jazz, Balkan, Middle Eastern, klezmer, and global musical traditions. Born near Jerusalem to a family with roots in Tunisia, Bulgaria, and Poland, he grew up immersed in the sounds of klezmer, Balkan, and Middle Eastern music. With a strong foundation in both classical and jazz traditions, Ziv combines these influences into a contemporary musical language that bridges cultures through composition, improvisation, and orchestration.

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He is the founder and musical director of The Middle Eastern Big Band, a large ensemble dedicated to exploring cross-cultural musical dialogue through original compositions and arrangements. Under his direction, the ensemble has presented notable performances in New York, Boston, and New Orleans, bringing together musicians from diverse backgrounds in performances that merge jazz improvisation with Middle Eastern and Balkan rhythms, melodies, and large ensemble writing.

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As a composer and arranger, Ziv is known for his versatility, creating works across a wide range of genres. He has written for the Nu Deco Ensemble and assisted arrangers on projects for the Boston Pops, Metropole Orkest, and other ensembles, contributing to performances presented in major concert halls across the United States and Europe. His work draws from a wide range of traditions, weaving them into inventive and emotionally resonant musical experiences that honor heritage while exploring new artistic possibilities.

 

As a trumpet player, Ziv has performed internationally both as a soloist and with ensembles, bringing expressive depth and technical command to every performance. Through his playing, composing, and arranging, he seeks to create music that fosters curiosity, dialogue, and connection across cultures and communities.