Biography
Andrew Lawrence Zarb was born on February 6, 1983, in Cospicua, Malta. His birth name was Andrew, the name his father adored, but his family and friends always called him Lawrence, which he officially extended his name renamed himself in 2008. His father, the late Joseph Zarb, was a soldier in the RMF and his mother Lorenza was a learning support assistant.
Zarb started his musical studies at Cospicua St. Georges Band where he was attracted to brass instruments, later on he felt in love with the trumpet which was suggested to him by his father. At the same band Club he studied under the tution with Carmelo Vella and Vincent Bonnici. When Zarb was nine he met his main real teacher and his lifelong mentor Ray Sciberras that was appointed as a director of the Band in 1993.
Under the tution of Sciberras Zarb officially played for the first time with the Band on November 19 in 1994 when he was only ten. When Zarb was only thirteen Sciberras promoted Zarb as the solo trumpeter and section leader of the band.
“Without Childhood there is no Humanity”
Andrew Lawrence Zarb continued his trumpet studies in Johann Strauss School of Music and Later with the well renowned brass pedagogist Paul Borg where in 2014 obtained an FLCM in trumpet performance. Zarb also studied trumpet high register with Larry Meregillano as Zarb’s favourite trumpet players are Maynard Ferguson and Arturo Sandoval. Andrew Lawrence Zarb plays with varied bands and orchestras around Malta. Zarb is also a member in the Cappella Diacono Malta as he really passionate with Carlo Diacono’s Compositions.
Zarb studied theory and musical Professional composition under the instruction of Ray Sciberras where he also obtained the ALCM IN 2018. Zarb composed varied works from band marches to funeral marches, liturgical sacred music and concert pieces for full symphony orchestra and for wind band. Some of his works are Missa di Gloria Sub Tuum Praesidium, Salve Regina, Laudate Pueri in D major, Dawl Jiddi Dija Jismu l-Kbir Laurentius (Cantata), Three views of Malta, Leħen Rebbieħ, Walking the Cottnera Lines, Unpredictable Fate, The Invisible Invidor and Dance of the Flags.
Andrew Lawrence Zarb is very passionate in conducting. He studied conducting with Freddie Mizzi and Michael Pulis. Zarb had several occasions where he conducted orchestras during concert and liturgical services in churches and wind bands in other occasions.He was also commisioned two concerts financed by the Cottonera Funds. Zarb’s role model conductors are the late Leonard Bernstein and the late Maris Jansons.
On 6th August 2024, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, received Andrew Lawrence Zarb, who presented her with a publication showcasing his work and the contributions of a group of volunteers at Dar Levita Martri, ahead of the upcoming feast of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa.
During the meeting, he extended an invitation to the President to visit his home on Saturday, following the Pontifical Mass, which over the years has been transformed into a museum of art and culture surrounding St Lawrence, featuring his own sacred and profane compositions.
President Spiteri Debono expressed her hope that more young people will engage in this artistic endeavour, ensuring that interest in culture continues to flourish.
On 10th August 2024, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, attended the High Mass at the Collegiate Parish Church of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa on the Solemnity of St Lawrence. The President also toured Dar Levita Martri, a residence/museum that houses artefacts related to the cult of Saint Lawrence as well as other works of art. The promoter is Andrew Lawrence Zarb, whose work is also instilling knowledge and appreciation of art and music among the young people who help in the parish of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa.
Photo: Office of The President