Karen Ng

Toronto-based improviser Karen Ng has established herself as a unique musical force nationally and internationally. Whether encountering her on tour with renowned artists or in an intimate venue in Berlin, audiences have come to know her distinctive tone and remarkable offerings in a variety of contexts. Over the last 15 years Ng has performed with some of Canada’s most prized artists such as The Weather Station, Andy Shauf, Do Make Say Think and many more, appearing in high profile performances such as Jimmy Kimmel, NPR’s Tiny Desk, Austin City Limits and festivals including Big Ears, Pitchfork, Bonaroo, Primavera, Osheaga, Best Kept Secret and Wilco’s Solid Sounds among others.
One of Canada’s leading improvisers “with a breathtakingly wide musical scope” (Musicworks), she also collaborates regularly with creative and ad hoc ensembles in the wider improvising scene across Canada, in Europe and the US. Ng has also built a foundational presence in the community as an educator, moderator of panels, and curator (TONE Festival, Guelph Jazz Festival, Canadian Music Centre).
Ng has been featured on Bandcamp Daily, had a profile piece published in Musicworks, and appeared several times in NOW Magazine and Exclaim for both her musical and curatorial work.

Photo: Curtis Perry