Zev Katz is a renowned bassist in the world of classical music. He was born on December 18, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. Katz grew up in a musical family, and his father was a jazz pianist. He started playing the bass guitar at the age of 13 and quickly developed a passion for music. Katz attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he studied classical bass with Homer Mensch. After graduating, he went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in classical bass performance. Katz's career as a professional musician began in the early 1980s when he started playing with various jazz and rock bands in New York City. However, he soon realized that his true passion was for classical music, and he began to focus on building a career in that field. In 1985, Katz joined the New York City Opera Orchestra, where he played for over a decade. During his time with the orchestra, he performed in numerous productions, including "La Bohème," "Carmen," and "The Marriage of Figaro." He also played with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the American Symphony Orchestra. Katz's talent as a bassist did not go unnoticed, and he was soon in demand as a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed with some of the world's most renowned classical musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Joshua Bell. One of Katz's most notable performances was at the 1994 Grammy Awards, where he played with the New York Philharmonic. The orchestra performed the music from the film "Schindler's List," and Katz's bass playing was a highlight of the performance. Katz has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1996, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show great potential for a successful career in classical music. He was also awarded the Richard Wagner Society Award in 2001. In addition to his work as a performer, Katz is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Many of his students have gone on to successful careers in classical music. Katz's discography includes numerous recordings with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the American Symphony Orchestra. He has also recorded with the Emerson String Quartet and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. In recent years, Katz has continued to perform and record, and he remains one of the most respected bassists in the world of classical music. His dedication to his craft and his passion for music have made him a beloved figure in the classical music community.

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