European American Conductor and Pianist, Andi Zdrava, started his career in music at age five at the Onufri School of Music in Elbasan, Albania. He is appointed the Music Director of Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) and founder and Conductor of the Illyrian Symphony Orchestra in Sarasota, Florida, for the past four years. He previously served as the Music Director for the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Florida, from 2020 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Illyrian Symphony Orchestra has attracted diverse audiences and have included performances at various concert halls. Zdrava continues to collaborate and serve as an international jury member for the Carles and Sofia International Piano Competition. Maestro Zdrava has collaborated with multiple prestigious ensembles and organizations, such as Opera Tampa, State Orchestra of Athens, Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, St. Petersburg Opera Company, Suncoast Symphony Orchestra, South Shore Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of Colors. In addition to his solo endeavors, he is a member of the Mirage Piano Trio and Z Square Piano Duo, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Born in Elbasan, Albania, and raised in Glyfada, Greece, Zdrava studied piano under the tutelage of Evgenia Tambulidi at the Glyfada Music Conservatory and earned his Piano Diploma in 2007. Desiring to share his knowledge and fostering an engaging environment, Zdrava held teaching positions in piano and collaborative piano at both the National Conservatory of Greece and Glyfada Conservatory. Zdrava later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition at the University of Indianapolis under the guidance of Professor Keith Moore. In 2014, he moved to Tampa, Florida, to pursue his passion in orchestral conducting. At the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, Zdrava earned his Master’s degrees in Orchestral Conducting and Piano Performance in 2017 under his mentors Dr. William W. Wiedrich and Dr. Svetozar Ivanov. He continued his educational pursuits during this time as Graduate Assistant in Piano Performance and Orchestral Conducting programs.
Zdrava has participated in master classes across Europe, learning from distinguished artists such as Michail Markov, Alexander Ghindin, Nikolai Petrov, and Pascal Roge. Zdrava has performed at numerous concerts, festivals, and competitions during his career across the world, including the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Russia, Albania, United States, and Greece.
With his unwavering dedication and belief in the uplifting power of music to inspire hope, Zdrava is excited to captivate audiences worldwide in the upcoming 2024-2025 season.