Biography

“His program, entitled ‘The Art of Guitar’, took our listeners on a journey through his homeland and straight through the western world. He cleverly adapted songs by Stevie Wonder, John Butler and others with his unique rhythmic, melodic style, showcasing his tremendous talents with passages ranging from lyrically sweet to intense and explosive. The audience also greatly enjoyed his colourful and humorous introductions.”

— Swiss Foundation for Young Musicians

 

Zarek is a full-time freelance musician in both solo and ensemble contexts as well as Studio, Composition, Performance and Music Education. 

Zarek’s unique playing and adaptability comes from his nontraditional approach to music and guitar. His musical versatility and curiosity has brought Zarek to work in styles of Solo Guitar, Gypsy Jazz, Dixieland, Fingerstyle and traditional Jazz. While Zarek’s musical expression is primarily instrumental his musical dexterity makes the strings sing, giving the guitar its very own voice.

Beginning his career in Australasia, Zarek is now established in Basel, Switzerland since 2016.
Recent highlights include:

Performances

Tours

  • Rips and Tears Album Release Tour - Switzerland, Germany, 2022 (8 shows)

  • Zarek and Albi - Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, 2019 (20 Shows)

  • Zarek Silberschmidt CD Release Tour - New Zealand, 2018 (32 Shows)

  • Zarek and Albi European Tour - Switzerland, Germany, England, Wales, 2017 (12 Shows)

Endorsements

Releases

  • ‘Troubadour’s Escapade’ - Solo Guitar Album 2024

  • ‘Rips and Tears’ - Jazz Album 2022

  • ‘All The Things You Ate’ - Dixieland Album, 2021

  • ‘Ghost Orchestra’ - Concept Album, 2021

  • ‘Home’ - Solo Guitar Album, 2018

Zarek’s solo concerts combine well known classics from the 20th century and original compositions. His interpretations exude creativity and expressiveness, coming from his broad experience in multiple genres.

Zarek’s sophisticated approach of arranging songs by performing multiple parts simultaneously, gives the sound of a full band performing on stage. In between and throughout songs, anecdotes are told in context of each piece. Giving the audience a personal view behind the cross-genre blends, into the conceptual and emotional foundation of the music itself.