Ayelet Lerman
is an Israeli violist, performance artist, and sound artist known for her innovative contributions to the experimental and improvisational music scenes. Her work often explores the intersection of traditional string performance and contemporary sound art, creating immersive auditory experiences.
From 2010 to 2014, Lerman curated a series that brought together diverse musical talents, including a collaboration with American electronics innovator Wade Matthews and American-Israeli composer and violinist Carmel Raz. This partnership resulted in the project “Growing Carrots in a Concrete Floor,” which was recorded live at Barbur Gallery in Jerusalem.
Lerman’s solo album, “7 Steps,” released in 2017, showcases her meditative approach to the viola, offering a sinuous and fascinating journey that pairs melody with unusual harmonic strategies. The album also features a duet with double bassist Jean Claude Jones, marking one of his final recordings on the instrument.
Her versatility as a performer is further highlighted by her participation in the Instant-Composition Performance at Levontin 7, where she collaborated with other string and electronic musicians to create spontaneous compositions.
Lerman’s dedication to expanding the boundaries of viola performance has established her as a significant figure in contemporary experimental music, both within Israel and internationally.
Artist and Musician Bio
Born April 23, 1976, in Tel Aviv.
Married to Daniel Sarid and mother to Kani and Tamiru.
Based in Quiryat Tiv'on, Israel.
Currently traveling abroad due to being opposed to the current acts and politics of the Israeli government .
EDUCATION
• 1994: Graduate of the Israeli Conservatory of Tel Aviv, in viola.
• 2005: BA in Philosophy and Biology from Tel Aviv University.
• 2010: Completed 4 years, full studies, at the School of Visual Theater, Jerusalem.
• 2019: MFA in Film from Tel Aviv University.
• 2020: Certified Coach, at Yozmot Group.
• 2022: NLP Trainer and Master, at Retter College.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• 2006–2025: Live performances of experimental and improvised music.
• 2010–2012: Artist residency at Mamuta Arts Center, Jerusalem.
• 2012-2015: Studio at the Art Cube Artists' Studios, Jerusalem.
• 2010–2014: Musical direction and production of the experimental music series Wire Tapping at Barbur Gallery.
• 2013–2015: Community artist from the Ministry of Culture, at Dimona Theater.
• 2020–2025: Private practice at Tel Aviv, Kiryat Tiv'on, and online for emotional coaching and NLP facilitation.
SELECTED ARTISTIC PROJECTS
• 2019 – As You Wish. A short film drama. Writer, directrice and co-producer. Produced by the Tisch School of Film and Television, TAU. Screening at Adler International Short Film Festival, Chicago, Illinois; TLV Fest International LGBT Film Festival.
• 2018 - Live performances with Eyal Maoz, Daniel Sarid, Yoni Kretzmer, and more musicians at various venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn NYC.
• 2017 – Sound House. Viola, sound, and voice performance.
• 2016 – 7 STEPS. Solo viola album hosting JC Jones, released by Creative Sources , Portugal.
• 2015 – Babushkas. Video work featuring a speaking choir, following a community artist project at Dimona Theater.
• 2014 – Tomb Womb. Solo exhibition at Barbur Gallery. Sound installation and site-specific performances hosting all media artists during the entire month of the exhibition.
• 2013 – Pearls in the Desert. Theater performance featuring the Dimona Women’s Chorus, supported by the Cultural Council of the Lottery Fund.
• 2013 – Prisoner. Concrete. String. A trilogy of site-specific music and movement performance installations in Jerusalem, Rubin Museum, and Tel Aviv City Hall.
• 2012 – Too Much Talk About Space. Solo exhibition concluding an artist residency at Mamuta Arts Center. Four site-specific performance installations. A project supported by the Interdisciplinary Arena, HaZira, and the Cultural Council of the Lottery Fund.
• 2012 – Spider Atlas. Site-specific musical performance installation, commissioned by the Jerusalem Municipality.
• 2012 – Growing Carrots in a Concrete Floor. Music album with Wade Matthews and Carmel Raz, released by Aural Terrains, London.
• 2011 – Toy. Sculpture-performance music installation at Mamuta, Ein Kerem.
• 2010 – STRINGED. Site-specific performance installation. Final project at the School of Visual Theater. Winner of the Jerusalem Mayor’s Award.
• 2010 – Tapping Rain . Acoustic sound installation, Manofim Festival, Jerusalem.