CCMusic.com

Zane Zalis' Oratorio 'I Believe' is about us, dressed in robes of depravity, fear, pain, loss, but also of faith, courage and hope. The music should make us think about things that concern us all. For we must always be reminded not to make selfish decisions, but also to keep in mind the well-being of our fellow human beings. Since 2006 Zane has been the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Murau International Music Festival in Austria bringing together talented singers and instrumentalists from both Canada and Europe. Beginning in 1983, Zane was a pioneer in using technology and music to develop creative and critical thinking skills in young people. He is the founder and director of Prodigy, a program of professional training in contemporary vocal performance which is part of the nationally recognized music program at Miles Macdonell Collegiate (River East Transcona School Division) in Winnipeg. Many of his students have gone on to successful music careers both in academia and professional performance, both nationally and internationally. Zane has had over 200 recording studio appearances as a session musician, arranger, producer and composer. He is a composer laureate for St. Paul's College (University of Manitoba) has served as Choir Director for the North American Symphonic Premiere of Lord of the Rings at the MTS Centre with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, choral contractor/director for Sarah Brightman's Winnipeg concert, and has been music and vocal director for Rainbow Stage, where he also served on the Board of Directors and was chair of production.