Roger Zahab

Roger Zahab is a Teaching Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, where he directs the Orchestra and Undergraduate Studies. He is also a core faculty member and co-chair of the MFA in Music Composition program at Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). Zahab holds a BM in Violin Performance from the University of Akron and an MM in Violin Performance from SUNY Stony Brook, with additional mentorship in composition from Tison Street, Ursula Mamlok, and John Cage. His work spans composition, violin/viola performance, conducting, and interdisciplinary collaborations in dance, theater, and video.

Research interests focus on complex musical interactions and music’s societal role. Zahab has premiered over 200 works, including editions of Julia Perry’s violin concerto and orchestral pieces like wild woods and Intarsia. His recordings, such as the 2023 album Roger Zahab – at the piano, highlight his compositional versatility. He has led ensembles like the University of Akron’s New Music Group and founded the Daedalus series.

Zahab’s awards and grants include collaborations with institutions like the MacDowell Colony and the Mary Flagler Cary Trust. His academic roles emphasize mentorship in low-residency programs and contemporary music advocacy. Notable works include Magna Mysteria (2009), Shadow Rhymes (2024), and film scores like Orson Rehearsed.