Sara Zamboni (b. 1990) is a composer, pianist, and creative coach originally from Italy, now based in the Netherlands. With a strong academic foundation and an ever-curious spirit, her musical journey is dynamic, playful, and open to discovery.
Sara’s work ranges from instrumental compositions to electronic music, often blending different styles and ideas to suit a variety of artistic settings. She’s especially passionate about creating music for live performances in theaters and concert halls. Collaborative projects hold a special place in her heart, particularly chamber music, contemporary music theater, and pieces designed to accompany dance and movement.
Her works have been performed in the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Italy, France, China. In 2021, she was one of six composers selected to represent the Netherlands at the ISCM World New Music Days in Shanghai and Nanning. As a member of Nieuw Geneco, the Dutch association for professional composers, she continues to share her voice within a vibrant community of creators.
In 2020, Sara launched Cytokine Records, an independent label that explores the edges of electronic and experimental music. Each release is a deeply personal endeavor, inviting listeners to explore soundscapes filled with intriguing sounds with a strong connection with movement research. Her music also resonates in Contemporary dance communities, where it is embraced by educators and choreographers worldwide.
Beyond composing and performing, Sara works at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, where she collaborates with dancers as a pianist, and sound designer for Contemporary dance solos. She also teaches 'Creative Coaching', a course she developed for Bachelor students in the Art of Sound program, offering them a chance to dive deeper into their artistic potential. Additionally, she collaborates with Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam as a music and dance coach, accompanying Graham technique classes, improvisation sessions, and student projects.
Sara also shares her love of Contemporary music through workshops and composition courses, helping others explore their creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment. Her approach emphasizes the connection between mind, body, and artistry—a philosophy she lives by in her own creative practice. Whether she’s in a Modern dance class, on a Pilates mat, or gliding across the ice exploring contemporary skating, movement and expression are a constant source of inspiration. When not immersed in music or dance, Sara enjoys finding new ways to blend creativity and community. She invites you to join her in exploring the boundless possibilities where sound, movement, and imagination come together.
Classical Piano
Sara's musical journey started with a passion for unconventional sounds and ethnic music, inspired by the broadcasts of the Italian cultural radio "RAI Radio3". She began formal classical piano studies at the "L. Marenzio" Conservatory, earning her diploma. Her exploration of 20th-century piano repertoire led her to a Master's degree with honors under the guidance of Andrea Rebaudengo, focusing on Béla Bartók's piano music and folk elements. She continued her studies in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, also honing her piano skills with a focus on modern repertoire with the precious menthorship of Gerard Bouwhuis. Sara has performed in prestigious venues and festivals, including the Gaudeamus Festival in Tivoli-Vredenburg (Utrecht), the Holland Festival in Amsterdam and the Kamermuziekfestival in De Doelen (Rotterdam).
Music Composition
Sara earned her B.A. and M.A. in Composition from the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague in the Netherlands, studying under Martijn Padding and Calliope Tsoupaki. She also explored music technology at the Institute of Sonology, enhancing her skills in analogue studio composition and audio engineering. Sara's compositions, blending acoustic instruments with electronic elements, have earned her acclaim nationally and internationally. Currently, she focuses on composing for acoustic instruments and multichannel fixed media recordings, exploring the dynamic between analog and digital sound. Notable works include "A Playful Piece," "Lumen de Lumine," "Dark Vocalise," and "False Assumptions." Sara values collaboration, working closely with performers and engineers on her projects.
Music for Dance & Choreography
She regularly collaborates with the dance education programs in prestigious institutions such as The Royal Conservatoire of The Hague and Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam, while also composing original music for choreographies across professional dance education and companies. Notable collaborations include "The Silence of the Bees" (2016) with Skopje Dance Theatre (choreography of Joan van der Mast) and "JAE: Just About Everyone" (2019) with Zhejiang Conservatory of Music in China (choreography of Matea Kiselichka). She contributed to the dance film "Through The Dancer's Eye" (2021) for International Dance Day, enriching the global celebration of dance.