Michael's new cello

My name is Michael Katz and I’m a professional Juilliard trained cellist based in New York.

For over 2 decades, I have been committed to sharing and connecting with people through music. All my life, I have believed in the power of music to heal, transcend barriers, and bring diverse audiences together. In addition to an active solo and chamber music career which often takes me on the road both nationally and internationally, I have taught in New York public schools through Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, performed at schools and community venues in 20 different states, and visited communities in need in Japan, Myanmar, and Nepal. Whenever I perform, whether on the stage of Carnegie Hall or at an orphanage in Kathmandu Nepal, I always approach performance as an act of giving and sharing.


My instrument, which has served its purpose for seventeen years, now needs to be replaced, due to its humble limitations and worn out conditions, as advised by my mentors and colleagues. Although I’ve been able on several occasions to borrow better instruments, it is not a sustainable solution. As a professional musician I need a permanent instrument to keep performing at a high level and serve people through music. I humbly request for your assistance and ask that you will support my goal to purchase a new cello.

Finding the right instrument is akin to finding a life partner – it is not a decision that should be made lightly and often takes time. After dedicating much of the past two years to this search and trying dozens of different cellos, I have finally found an instrument which perfectly suits my needs and my playing. It is a beautiful English cello and I’ve already been fortunate to perform on it for the past few months. Unfortunately, the cost of an instrument of such quality is greater than I can afford on my own, but I am determined to do everything I can in order to purchase it.

It is my hope that through your help I can raise $40,000 which will make up a substantial part of the amount I need to raise.

Your generous support would go a long way in sustaining my efforts to give back through music and it would make a strong impact on the community engagement work that I carry out, for 2 more decades and beyond.

Thank you so much for your consideration,
Michael


Watch Michael performing Haydn Cello Concerto on the above mentioned cello!