Brazilian cellist from the state of Amazonas, Karen Carvalho began her studies at the Liceu de Artes e Ofícios Claudio Santoro under the guidance of Anton Minenkov. She later moved to the United States, where she earned an Artist Certificate and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Azusa Pacific University, holding a full scholarship and serving as teaching assistant. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Music at the University of Barcelona. She has performed with ensembles such as the Amazonas Chamber Orchestra, Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, Corona Symphony, La Cañada Symphony, California Young Artist Symphony, and Korean American Young Symphony, appearing at venues including the Amazon Theater, Zipper Hall, Royce Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In Los Angeles, she contributed to recordings for Amazon Prime’s Cross, Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, and NASA’s 25th anniversary album X Into Darkness at Sony Pictures. She also appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Voice America, and the CBS Family Awards. Karen has taken part in festivals such as Gramado in Concert (Brazil), Festival de Música do Amazonas (Brazil), Cello Mastery Course (New York), Cellistiko Festival (Puerto Rico), and Arianna Chamber Music Festival (Missouri). Beyond performing, she is dedicated to teaching and directs the “Cello in Concert” program at Smart Music School in California.
Arts Bridging The Gap's San Gabriel Valley Symphony is a professional orchestra created by working musicians and local leaders to reflect and serve the San Gabriel Valley—focusing on community engagement and social impact. Our mission is to show the next generation in the SGV that a career in the arts is not only possible, but capable of creating real change in their communities and beyond.
