Ivan Karizna is known for his expressive performances, seamlessly blending the Russian and Parisian schools of string playing. Initially raised in the Russian tradition, he continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire and the Kronberg Academy under the guidance of Jérôme Pernoo and Frans Helmerson. He has won numerous awards, including prizes at prestigious competitions such as the Tchaikovsky and the Queen Elisabeth, and is in demand as a soloist, performing with orchestras such as the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, and Montreal Symphony Orchestra under conductors including Christoph Eschenbach and Stephane Deneve. His passion for chamber music is evident in in his collaborations with acclaimed musicians including Christian Tetzlaff, Amihai Grosz and Elena Bashkirova. He plays the 1760 Tassini cello (ex-Paul Tortelier) generously on loan from a member of the Stretton Society.