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 guitar, fiddle, 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, Flamenco, and some cover songs by John Denver as well as original renditions of more traditional songs. 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 and from Renaissance 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. 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. Last year Waltz debuted at the California’s Celtic Music circuit at the Grass Valley Celtic Music Festival.   Waltz was accepted by Riverdance as a lead singer but last year the show reverted to its original production with no male soloist parts.

 Chris is a chorus singer with the Sacramento Opera. 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.

        Chris was instrumental in forming Triana, a Celtic world music ensemble, which performed a blend of original and traditional folk music.  He was the ensemble’s main composer, writing and arranging most of the music they performed, including many pieces with multi-vocal parts and instrumental accompaniment.

According to Ellie Blair of Celtic & Beyond KTAO Radio Chris’s more contemporary material reflects the transpersonal spiritual journey we’re all on.  He’s like a male version of Loreena McKennitt with his soul-stirring lyrics and pure natural voice.”