Chris Waltz-Amarin Music Ensemble Celtic Singer from Richmond, CA

Award winning Celtic/ Classical Crossover/World music Singer/Songwriter/Composer, vocalist, songwriter and instrumentalist Chris Waltz performs an eclectic blend of Celtic, Contemporary & Traditional Folk, Spanish-Sephardic/Flamenco, and Mid-East Gypsy style music featuring original and traditional songs sung in Irish/Gaelic, Spanish, Latin, Latino and English. Using voice, nylon and steel string guitar, flutes and whistles, Waltz brings to life the melodic language of each tradition. With his powerful yet gentle voice, each song is finely crafted so the audience can experience the passion and emotion behind each turn of the melody. He fills the room with a mystical, otherworldly feel. As a solo folksinger/songwriter Waltz plays original contemporary folk, Celtic, Flamenco and some cover songs by John Denver, as well as original renditions of more traditional songs. He has been hailed as the Josh Groban of Celtic music, infusing the more romantic and sensual side of Celtic music rarely heard by male Celtic singers. Waltz is one of the few male Gaelic singers around. Mixed with his wit and humor he shows off the playful side of Irish music. Singing from within the depths of his soul, Waltz has the rare ability to really connect very deeply with his listeners. Using lyrics of his own and from Renaissance poetry set to newly composed music he creates a presence of the mystical. He often incorporates the exotic sounds of gypsy and Middle Eastern music into his arrangements. With his smooth-handed guitar playing and deep, clear tenor voice he'll transport you to ancient worlds. Waltz has had classical voice training at the Pease Conservatory of Music. He has performed at churches, festivals, concert and folk venues all over the country, enabling him to share his strong yet elegant stage presence with many people. In 2006 year Waltz debuted at the California's Celtic Music circuit at the Grass Valley Celtic Music Festival. He was accepted by Riverdance as a lead singer, but last year the show reverted to its original production with no male soloist parts. Waltz was a chorus singer with the Sacramento Opera. He has opened for or performed on stage with the Celtic Super group from Ireland Dervish, Virtuoso Celtic composer/Bouzouki player Roger Landes, and singer/songwriter Tish Hinajosa. He was instrumental in forming Triana, a Celtic world music ensemble, which performed a blend of original and traditional folk music. He was the ensemble's main composer, writing and arranging most of the music they performed, including many pieces with multi-vocal parts and instrumental accompaniment. You can reach him at chriswaltz (a) mail dot kom