Chris Votek is an acclaimed cellist, composer, sound engineer, producer, arranger, and educator living and breathing music in Los Angeles. He records, writes, and performs with ensembles ranging from North Indian Classical, Arabic, Electronica, Jazz, Avant-Garde, Western Classical, Pop, and Rock. His ceaseless curiosity and devotion to musical traditions from around the world have guided him along a musical path that is perpetually branching out.
He is a disciple of the legendary Indian violinist Dr. N Rajam and much of his work involves adapting the oral tradition of Hindustani raga to the cello. As an intercultural music translator he has collaborated with Ustad Zakir Hussain arranging music for SF currents, a collaboration between the San Francisco Symphony and master Indian violinist Kala Ramnath.
A sought after touring and studio cellist, Votek has worked with Julia Holter, The Marias, The Silk Road Ensemble, Chris Martin, Kamasi Washington, Father John Misty, WildUp, FUN, Amanda Palmer, The Dirty Projectors, Jherek Bischoff, Haushka, Jonathan Wilson, How To Dress Well, and many others. Votek is an active member of many world music and cross cultural ensembles. He is the principal cellist of Nabil Azzam’s Arabic Orchestra MESTO, a member of LA’s chamber orchestra of cultural diversity Bridge to Everywhere, and a collaborator with Iranian singers Homayoun Shajarian and Mamak Khadem.
Votek began writing music at age 13 and never stopped. His chamber music and electro-acoustic works have been presented at REDCAT, the Hammer Museum, Clockshop, and SF Soundbox. A frequent collaborator with animators, film makers, and choreographers, Votek is constantly creating original music for new projects.
Fluent in both the language of music and the science of recording technology, Votek produces and engineers all varieties of professional music productions out of his self-built recording studio the Echo Manor. Also a community leader and committed educator, Votek teaches through Harmony Project, an award-winning research-based non-profit that targets at–risk youth in underserved areas of Los Angeles.