Zeena Parkins is a composer and improviser: a pioneer of contemporary harp practice and performance. She has extended the language of the acoustic and electric harps, through the use of expanded playing techniques, preparations, and custom designed electronic processing. Commissions include: The Whitney Museum, The Tate Modern, Sharjah Art Foundation, Merce Cunningham Dance Company, Bang on a Can, Donaueschinger Musiktage and Sudwestrundfunk. Parkins has collaborated with choreographers: Neil Greenberg, John Jasperse, Jennifer Monson, Jennifer Lacey, DD Dorvillier; with filmmakers: Cynthia Madansky, Daria Martin, Abigail Child; and has performed/recorded with Björk, Christian Marclay, Ikue Mori, John Zorn, Fred Frith, Butch Morris, William Winant, Nels Cline, Matmos, Yoko Ono, Yasunao Tone. Awards include: Doris Duke Artist Award, 3 NY Dance and Performance Awards (Bessies), DAAD, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, NYFA Fellowship, MAP Fund, Shifting Foundation, Prix Ars Electronica Honorary Mention.