Hani’el Mastriani-Levi is a saxophonist, creator, and educator based in New York City. Raised between Israel, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, his background draws from a diverse set of influences and perspectives. In his work, he is primarily concerned with finding unity among various conceptual extremities. His hope is to create music that gives way to aesthetic dialogue, allowing for greater opportunities to cultivate empathy and connection.

As a leader and sideperson, Hani’el has had the opportunity to perform alongside artists such as Terreon Gully, Kebbi Williams, Kevin Bales, Ulysses Owens Jr, Graham Haynes, Michael Cruse, Louis Heriveaux, Dave Potter, and Leah Calvert. He has performed in venues such as Nublu, Minton’s Playhouse, the Rialto Center for the Arts, the High Museum of Art, Spivey Hall, the Jazz Corner, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and also in the Atlanta Jazz Festival and Hilton Head Jazz for All Ages Festival.

Hani’el graduated from Georgia State University in 2022, receiving a BM in Jazz Studies. He studied with Dr. Gordon Vernick, pianist Kevin Bales, and saxophonist David Sánchez. While attending GSU, he had the opportunity to learn and perform with visiting artists such as Miguel Zenón, Sean Jones, Etienne Charles, Eric Alexander, Tierney Sutton, and Tom Scott. Hani’el is currently pursuing a MA in Jazz Studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.