Described by New York Weekly as “an innovative cellist [whose] versatility sets her apart from her peers,” Israeli-born, New York-based cellist and composer Tamar Sagiv embraces musical language that bridges classical tradition with contemporary expression.
Her work explores themes of memory, identity, and emotional resonance, often drawing on personal experiences to create sound worlds that feel both intimate and universal.

Sagiv is the recipient of the Zubin Mehta Certificate of Honour, in addition to awards from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) and the Ronen Foundation.
Tamar Sagiv has performed as soloist with orchestras in Israel and Germany, in iconic venues such as Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, National Sawdust, National Bohemian Hall, the New York Public Library, with the International Contemporary Ensemble, and more.

In her Carnegie Hall debut, she performed the music of James Simon – a German Jewish composer and pianist who perished in Auschwitz. She has also recorded several broadcasts for the Israeli National Radio, and has performed in festivals across Israel, Europe, and the U.S.

Sagiv is the creator of the #BachInThePark project – a public effort to introduce New York City residents and visitors alike to the music of J.S. Bach, through recurring, impromptu, live performances, following the pandemic lockdown.
In August 2025, Sagiv releases her new album, Shades of Mourning, on the GRAMMY®-winning label Sono Luminus. The album features nine original compositions by Sagiv that explore the multifaceted nature of grief and mourning through deeply personal musical landscapes.

Violinist Leerone Hakami and violist Ella Bukszpan collaborated with Sagiv on fourof the tracks. The album highlights Sagiv’s distinctive compositional voice and virtuosic playing, establishing her as a powerful new voice in contemporary classical music.
Originally from Northern Israel, Tamar Sagiv studied at the Kfar Blum Music Center and the Israeli Arts and Science Academy in Jerusalem. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Buchmann Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University and completed both her Master’s and Professional Diploma (PDPL) at the Mannes School of Music in New York City studying with Matt Haimovitz. She has also performed in masterclasses with cellists Steven Isserlis, Frans Helmerson, Ralph Kirshbaum, and Gary Hoffman.