Born and raised in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon, vocalist/composer Christiane Karam earned her diploma in classical piano at age sixteen and taught and performed for several years before moving to Boston to study voice, composition and jazz at the Berklee College of Music. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a dual degree in film scoring and songwriting, and went on to receive her Masters degree in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory of Music, where she was named the Kimball P. Stickney Scholar for two consecutive years. Christiane’s unique vocal style stems from her love for different musical traditions. She is the leader and founder of the award-winning ZilZALA Ensemble, which blends classical, traditional, and folk music from different regions of the Middle East and the Balkans with contemporary jazz. Their last release, "Songs of the People", was nominated for "Best World Traditional Album" at the 2011 Independant Music Awards. She is also the founder and leader of the Pletenica Balkan Choir, which performs extensively in Boston and NY and has shared the stage with the likes of Binka Dobreva, Pepe de Lucia, Javier Limon, Zulal, Jose Merce and Mario Frangoulis. Christiane has had the privilege of sharing the stage and collaborating with the likes of Yanka Rupkina, Hüsnü Senlendirici, the NY Gypsy All-Stars, George Megardichian, Ran Blake, Bassam Saba, the New York Arabic Orchestra, Jamey Haddad, Javier Limon, Binka Dobreva, the Assad Brothers, Juliana Svetlichnaya, Simon Shaheen and Bobby McFerrin. She has performed at venues & festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Summerstage, Celebrate Brooklyn!, Symphony Space, the Koprivshtitsa Festival, the Plovdiv Academy & the Moscow International House of Music among others. She appeared in the 2009 PBS documentary film "The Music Instinct: Science and Song", featuring Bobby McFerrin, Daniel Levitin, Oliver Sacks, Daniel Barenboim, and Yo-Yo Ma, and has also been featured on VH1. In addition to performing, Christiane is an award-winning songwriter (the USA Songwriting Competition, SESAC, The John Lennon Songwriting contest), and was honored by Berklee for her “outstanding contribution to international goodwill and understanding” for a multi-national peace concert she produced in the aftermath of 9/11. She is currently on the faculty of Berklee College of Music, as an Assistant Professor in Voice, Ensemble and Songwriting. She is the founder and leader of the Berklee Annual Middle Eastern Festival, and actively continues her work of bringing awareness and Positive Social Change through music and the arts. Her latest album, Eastern Tapestries celebrates the stirring vocal and rhythmic traditions of the Balkans, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Caucasus, as well as the traditions on either end of those regions, namely South Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean. It's a dance between tradition and unknown, preserving what has been and diving into what could be. It's a tribute to song and the human voice as a vehicle for hope, joy, mourning, celebration and survival. And most importantly, it is a powerful testimonial of the healing power of music and an inspiring platform where love, light and beauty stand a chance to prevail over conflict, anger and darkness. " Christiane Karam crafts her vocal interpretations with marvelous fluidity. Her performance with the ZilZALA Ensemble is creatively conceived and beautifully executed.”- (about 'Songs of the People'- A. J. Racy, Ph.D, Classical Arabic Music Scholar & master performer) "East and West collide in the music of the ZiLZALA Middle Eastern Ensemble...This international cast of musicians provide a distinctive flavor and an irresistible rhythm." Luke O'Neil, the Boston Globe “Christiane has demonstrated to a whole generation in the Boston area, the charm, sophistication and elaborate technique involved in classical Arabic music, and then went on to incorporate it into her own writing. Her projects don’t only make musical sense, but they demonstrate a supreme example of harmony in our mixed global community. She will be remembered for her musical contributions.” Jamey Haddad (master drummer/percussionist-Paul Simon, Simon Shaheen, Dave Liebman) 'Since meeting Christiane Karam, a new musical world has opened for me. She is one of the most important voices in mediterranean music today. Not only is she a great vocalist and composer but she also has a very special artistic vision. Her unique combination of influences that she incorporates in her music and projects is always under the umbrella of beauty and musical excellence. Her Middle Eastern Festival is one of the leading initiatives at Berklee College of Music and her Balkan choir is incredible. Her latest album, 'Eastern Tapestries' will one day be a reference for young artists who to connect different musical cultures in a meaningful way'.