Artan Zhuri
DIRECTOR OF THE STRATFORD ORCHESTRAS
Email: [email protected]
Artan Zhuri was born in Korce, Albania, where he started studying Violoncello at the age of six in Tefta Tashko music school. He graduated “with Distinction” and earned his Artist’s Certificate in cello performance from Academy of Arts, Tirana, Albania, on 1987, with professor Gezim Laro. Mr. Zhuri has enjoyed a varied and distinguished music career. Early in his career, he performed solo, orchestral, and chamber music in various countries in Europe.
After moving to the United States, Mr. Zhuri has been equally active as a recitalist, chamber musician, outstanding teacher, and orchestra member in the states of Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Zhuri received the Texas Teaching Certification on 1999 in Music All-Level, and Master of the Fine Arts in Music on 2002 from Texas Southern University.
Recently, Mr. Zhuri performed with Brazosport Symphony Orchestra under direction Dr. John Ricarte, the cello concerto by Thoma Gaqi and Eduard Lalo D minor. His current position is an orchestra director in the Spring Branch ISD at Stratford High School. Mr. Zhuri is starting the 35th year of teaching experience, where 25 years, he served in the Spring Branch ISD. Mr. Zhuri lives with his wife Liliana, and his two children Ariana and Andy.
DIRECTOR OF THE STRATFORD ORCHESTRAS
Email: [email protected]
Artan Zhuri was born in Korce, Albania, where he started studying Violoncello at the age of six in Tefta Tashko music school. He graduated “with Distinction” and earned his Artist’s Certificate in cello performance from Academy of Arts, Tirana, Albania, on 1987, with professor Gezim Laro. Mr. Zhuri has enjoyed a varied and distinguished music career. Early in his career, he performed solo, orchestral, and chamber music in various countries in Europe.
After moving to the United States, Mr. Zhuri has been equally active as a recitalist, chamber musician, outstanding teacher, and orchestra member in the states of Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Zhuri received the Texas Teaching Certification on 1999 in Music All-Level, and Master of the Fine Arts in Music on 2002 from Texas Southern University.
Recently, Mr. Zhuri performed with Brazosport Symphony Orchestra under direction Dr. John Ricarte, the cello concerto by Thoma Gaqi and Eduard Lalo D minor. His current position is an orchestra director in the Spring Branch ISD at Stratford High School. Mr. Zhuri is starting the 35th year of teaching experience, where 25 years, he served in the Spring Branch ISD. Mr. Zhuri lives with his wife Liliana, and his two children Ariana and Andy.
Marcos Altamirano
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF STRATFORD ORCHESTRAS
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Altamirano is a versatile orchestra musician and conductor with a 27
year experience. Prior to joining Stratford High School, he served as the head orchestra director of the Johnston Middle School, and Spring Woods Middle School orchestras where he built a UIL sweepstakes winning program.
He began his musical studies in Honduras at the Victoriano Lopez Music School with emphasis in double bass performance and orchestra repertoire. During his studies at the music school, he won the annual gold medal competition; thus, becoming the first bass player to win the competition at the music school. He also won the “Stars of Tomorrow” competition at the University of Southern Mississippi where he performed as a soloist with the university symphony orchestra. Mr. Altamirano holds a Bachelor and Master degrees in music performance from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. Altamirano has served as a principal bass player of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Honduras, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony and the Texas Music Festival Orchestra.
He has also collaborated with orchestras such as The Mobile Symphony, Mississippi Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony Galveston Symphony and Brazosport Symphony.
Currently Mr. Altamirano also serves as the Sinfonia Director of the Katy Youth Symphony. His orchestral experience has given him the opportunity to perform with world renowned soloists such as Itzhak Perlman, Edgar Meyer, Plácido Domingo, Yo Yo Ma, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Jean--‐Pierre Rampal and Ray Charles among others.
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF STRATFORD ORCHESTRAS
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Altamirano is a versatile orchestra musician and conductor with a 27
year experience. Prior to joining Stratford High School, he served as the head orchestra director of the Johnston Middle School, and Spring Woods Middle School orchestras where he built a UIL sweepstakes winning program.
He began his musical studies in Honduras at the Victoriano Lopez Music School with emphasis in double bass performance and orchestra repertoire. During his studies at the music school, he won the annual gold medal competition; thus, becoming the first bass player to win the competition at the music school. He also won the “Stars of Tomorrow” competition at the University of Southern Mississippi where he performed as a soloist with the university symphony orchestra. Mr. Altamirano holds a Bachelor and Master degrees in music performance from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Mr. Altamirano has served as a principal bass player of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Honduras, the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony and the Texas Music Festival Orchestra.
He has also collaborated with orchestras such as The Mobile Symphony, Mississippi Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony Galveston Symphony and Brazosport Symphony.
Currently Mr. Altamirano also serves as the Sinfonia Director of the Katy Youth Symphony. His orchestral experience has given him the opportunity to perform with world renowned soloists such as Itzhak Perlman, Edgar Meyer, Plácido Domingo, Yo Yo Ma, Christopher Parkening, Doc Severinsen, Jean--‐Pierre Rampal and Ray Charles among others.