Born in the scenic landscapes of Eastern Europe and now shining under the skies of California, Adriana Mihaela Zarzu is a classically trained soprano who’s masterfully blending the worlds of pop/rock and classical music. As a self-taught artist, her captivating charm and unique sound breakthrough genre and cultural barriers, captivating a diverse audience with every note. Zarzu, with her demonstrated passion for music, strives to provide a unique dimension to conventional styles, crafting melodies that resonate emotionally with her audience. Her motivation stems from challenges encountered in today’s world. Promising to be a comfort in distress, her music aims to inspire faith, offer solace, and bring joy.
Adriana isn’t just a polyglot, fluent in two languages and conversational in German; she also sings beautifully in five languages. This remarkable ability not only showcases her linguistic talent but also widens her connection with fans across the globe, touching hearts and bridging cultures.
Her music career, charged with accolades, spans performing at local theaters to enchanting audiences in Vienna, Austria. She has recently joined the ranks of the Sacramento Philharmonic Opera and lends her voice to the Chorus section.
Her hard work has truly paid off; in 2021, she clinched the First Prize in Classical Repertoire at the American Protege International Vocal Competition. But her string of achievements didn’t end there. The following year, in 2022, she was honored with the Recognition Award from iClassical Academy in partnership with Sound Espressivo. Meanwhile, Zarzu’s participation in the 2022 Enchant Christmas Sacramento production added a melodious charm to the world’s largest winter wonderland. The singer’s triumphant streak continued into 2023, as she performed her first recital on the esteemed stage of Carnegie Hall’s Laureate Gala and subsequently lent her voice to the Sacramento Opera and Chorus in operatic productions like “La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini and “Die Fledermaus” by J. Strauss Jr. and performing with Andrea Bocelli at the Golden one Center in 2023.
Furthermore, Ms. Zarzu received the Diamond Prize at the World Music Competition. (WOMCO) 2024. She achieved the top three during the San Francisco Pro-Music Vocal competition and the top two (Gold and SilverPrize) in the Global International Vocal Music competition. She has received a Gold prize for the Max Bruch International Music Competition, Season 3, 2024. She also received the top two (Gold Prize) for the Gold International Music Competition. At the World Exceptional Musicians Competitions Season 3, 2024, she received the Platinum Prize. Also, at the Lebrun Music Competition Season 3, she received the Gold prize, and for the Royal Maas International Competition, she received 2nd prize. In addition, in 2024 at the World Stage Online Music Competition (WSOMC), she received 2nd place. At the PicaSchubert International Music and Art Competition Season 3, she received a Gold Prize. In the Beethoven International Music Competition Season 3, 2024, she received a Gold Prize as well. Ms. Zarzu also received a silver prize at the Grand Maestro International Music Competition in 2024. She also received the Gold Prize for the World Classical Music Awards 2024, Season 4. Ms. Zarzu was the winner and received an Honorable Mention at the Vienna New Year’s Concert International Music Competition 2024. She received the Gold Prize for the Couperin International Music Competition 2024.
Ms. Zarzu received the first prize, as well as the first absolute prize and the Unique Expressive Music Talent Special Award at the Music Talent Awards Competition 2024.
She also, received silver medal for the Trinity International Music Competition 2024. Ms. Zarzu received Platinum Prize for the Canadian International Music Competition 2024/2025.
Fans of Zarzu’s music are well aware of the deep emotional resonance in her performances. Still, even if you’re new to her sound, you’ll be immediately captivated by its unique and timeless quality. Through her songs, including “Il Mia Core Va/My Heart Will Go On,” “Favola Breve,” “Ave Maria,” “Love Like This,” and “Nella Fantasia,” she beautifully crafts stories of faith, strength, and comfort.
Through her journey, Zarzu wishes to inspire more emerging artists, emphasizing the power of faith, persistence, and passion in transforming dreams into realities.
Feel free to explore her music on Spotify, engage with her on Instagram, or follow her journey on YouTube.
Watch Adriana Mihaela Zarzu sing Ave Verum by Tomaso Albinoni for the 2025 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.