B i o g r a p h y
Tomasz Zieba joined the string faculty at the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University in 2003. Since that time he also holds the associate principal cello position with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
In 2017 Mr. Zieba successfully established Oklahoma Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, where until this day hold position as Music and Executive Director.
Born in Krakow, Poland began his cello education at the age of seven at the M. Karlowicz School of Music. He furthered his studies at the Music Academy in Krakow in the studio of world-renowned cello teacher prof. Henryk Zarzycki. In 1993 Zieba came to the United States on a full artistic scholarship he has completed Bachelor of Music degree at Texas Christian University and received Masters of Music degree and Artist Certificate diploma from Southern Methodist University under the instructions of John Burton, Ko Iwasaki and Christopher Adkins. During the college years he participated in many private lessons, master classes and music festivals in the United States and abroad, polishing his cello performance skills with teachers like Stephen Geber, Ron Leonard, Desmond Hoebig and Brinton Smith.
While studying in Texas, Zieba has performed in many countries including Spain, Austria, Germany, Poland, France, Mexico, and numerous cities in the United States. During that time he has also served as principal cellist of the Irving Symphony Orchestra, co-principal cellist of the Plano Symphony Orchestra and on many occasions received orchestral appointments with New World Symphony, Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Krakow Philharmonic.
In recent years Zieba has performed recitals and taught master classes on many occasions including European Musical Workshops in Kolobrzeg (Poland), Music Academy in Katowice (Poland), Oficina de Música de Curitiba (Brazil) and OCU Summer Music Festival (Oklahoma City), UTPA Pan American Cello Festival, Musicalis Daunia, XXXIV Incontrarsi Concertistica 2017 concert series in Lucera, Italy and completed his cello solo recital tour in China.
He has also performed concertos and recitals with many Oklahoma City based art and music organizations including 2012 world premiere of Karen Khanagov’s - Cello Concerto No.1 Op.9 with Academy Sinfonia.
Zięba is also a dedicated pedagogue and is active performing cellist in the Oklahoma City metro area. In the past many of his students have been placed with All-State orchestra, won numerous local and national competitions and have go on to be accepted into the best music programs offered in US and abroad. Currently also performs with OCU Faculty String Quartet and directs OCU Cellovoce Ensemble.
Mr. Zięba performs on the cello made by Schweitzer in 1880.
