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As
a talented performer he has worked in the classical and
popular arenas throughout the eastern coastline and with symphony
orchestras as well as Broadway musicals.
He
has performed with such luminaries as:
• Mel
Torme
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Eartha Kitt
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Judy Garland
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Frank Sinatra
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Sarah Vaughn |
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Maestro
Christopher R. Zarba at the age of three became a child
prodigy at a Boston Pianoforte School where his mother took
him by the hand for his piano lessons. His extensive background
at the New England Conservatory and further studies at Boston
University gained him recognition as an exceptional pianist,
composer, conductor, and educator. |
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Director
in music education for 25 years
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Composer
of major symphony orchestras
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Winner
of the Presidents' Prize for composition
at the New England Conservatory
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Christopher
is accompanist and arranger for major incoming shows into
the Boston Area. Working closely with luminaries in diversified
musical arenas. Conducted and scored symphonic musical
materials for major orchestras. Respected and well-known
for his skills as one of the most talented pianists living
today. |
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The
son of Joseph (Pietraperzia, Sicily) and (Elvira Battaglia,
Sulmona, Abbruzzi) was born in East Boston, starting his career
in piano at the age of three.
It
took little time for his piano teacher to realize that his student
was exceptionally talented. He then moved on to learning the
German technique at the Faelten Piano School on Huntington Avenue,
Boston. He furthered his classical studies with Edward C. Currie
of Harvard University. World War II interrupted his studies.
During which time he wrote the "March of the Combat Engineers"
to honor the unit with which he served. He also entertained
troops overseas. After the war and his return from Italy, he
resumed his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music
where he received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in
Music Composition in four years.
"Palm
Sunday"
In
November 12, 2001, Christopher
conducted his tone poem "Palm Sunday" as a tribute
to his late wife Catherine, who passed away in March of 2001,
and his son Christopher, a passenger on American Airlines flight
11 on September 11, 2001.
"Palm Sunday", won the Presidents' Prize for composition
at the New England Conservatory of Music.
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He
conducted this work at Jordan Hall and the Boston Pops
48 years ago. T. Francis Wada, the artistic director of
the Thayer Symphony Orchestra invited the Senior Zarba
to conduct "Palm Sunday" in honor of his son
Christopher who was a member of the french horn section.
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| "Palm
Sunday" |
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"Sinfonia
da Camera"(Symphony
for a small intimate room)
Similar techniques of scoring this symphony date back to the
Baroque period. The word sinfonia is derived from the Greek
word meaning "sounding together".
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| "Sinfonia
da Camera" |
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Therefore
the structure of the work was orchestrated through his heartfelt
feelings that could only be inspired through the death of his
wife Catherine last year, and the tragic death of his oldest
son on 9/11.
His
personal losses compelled him to bridge in his music both the
feelings of a husband and the feelings of a father. The "sounding
together" of the music connects these two different personalities.
It is overall an intimate invitation that welcomes the audience
to share a part of the complex soul of his genius.
It is a work of contemporary quality music. It's character especially
leaning toward certain periods of Western Art Music, Middle
Ages and the Renaissance.
One
of the first conductors for the Boston Ballet, Chris showed
his flexibility to adapting to the world of music quite fluidly
and was awarded the President's Prize in Composition for a work
entitled "Palm Sunday". It was later performed and
conducted by him at the famed Boston Pops Orchestra. Elected
to become a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, an honorary international
society of outstanding composers which was based at Oberlin
College, he also received a grant from Boston University as
a teaching assistant in composition and accomplished his advanced
graduate work in composition and fine arts. It was at this time,
that he completed his "Ballade for Orchestra" and
his "Symphony No. 1" both performed at the New England
Conservatory of Music at Jordan Hall. His piano pieces based
on "The Odyssey" of Homer are considered to be some
of the most interesting examples of Contemporary American Piano
Literature. Many more compositions have been added to his credit
and as a noteworthy arranger, conductor, pianist and artist
(painter) he has received much acclaim for his unique style,
ability and creativity in his compositions.
His
pianistic style is orchestral in that he employs sonorous harmonies
and contrapuntal melodies. He is dedicated and constantly creating
at the keyboard under his command.
He
has conducted and accompanied many luminaries, such as Judy
Garland, Dorothy Sarnoff, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, Englebert
Humperdink, Wayne Newton, Al Martino, Frank Sinatra, Sergio
Franchi, Vic Damone to name a few. Two of his love songs are
featured on "Sincerely", "Frank Zarba" an
album recorded with his brothers Frank and Joseph.
He
resides in Boston and also delights in painting for relaxation
in his spare time. He always is working on Symphonies, diligently
writing, scoring and defining his unique style while at the
same time exploring and employing his advanced knowledge of
musical theory. |
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©2003
AMERICAN CHARISMA
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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