Artistic Profile

World music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and instrumentalist Chris Waltz performs an eclectic blend of Celtic, Folk, Spanish-Sephardic, Flamenco, Mid-East Gypsy,  Neo-Classical and period film score style music featuring original and traditional songs sung in Irish/Gaelic, Spanish, Latin, Ladino and English. Using voice, nylon and steel string guitars, 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 Chris plays original contemporary folk, Celtic,  and Spanish -Folk/ Flamenco music as well as cover songs by John Denver and original renditions of more traditional songs. Waltz also performs music from various Cirque Du Soleil shows as well as his own original Gypsy Cirque style songs sung in an invented language. At pub shows and fitting venues Waltz can be heard singing Irish drinking songs and lively Jigs on the Irish flute and whistle. Chris 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 andRenaissance poetry set to newly composed music he creates a presence of the mystical.  Waltz 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 and is currently back in school part time studying Voice at the Pease Conservatory of Music and Music Theory at the Sacramento City   College .  Chris 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 Waltz debuted at the California Celtic Music circuit at the KVMR Grass Valley Celtic Music Festival.   In 2006 Waltz was accepted by Riverdance as a lead singer for the show but later that year the show reverted to its original production with no male soloist parts, eliminating his role.

 Chris was chorus singer with the Sacramento Opera during the 2007 - 2008 season. Chris has opened for or performed on stage with the Celtic Super group from Ireland Dervish, Virtuoso Celtic composer / Bouzouki player Roger Landes, and Legendary Singer / Songwriter Tish Hinajosa.