Rich Shemaria is a composer, arranger, and pianist. Currently he is an adjunct faculty member in the NYU Steinhardt Jazz Studies Program, where he teaches composition and arranging and directs the NYU Jazz Orchestra. He is a member of the NYU faculty ensemble, Combo Nuvo. The group recently recorded his One World Suite, a positive statement on climate change.
He has written music for Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Tom Scott, Mike Mainieri, Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, Michael and Randy Brecker, Lenny Pickett, Teo Macero, The Airmen of Note and a host of others. From 1994-96, he was director of the UMO Jazz Orchestra, the National Radio Big Band of Finland based in Helsinki, where he recorded two albums: The Prescription: The Music Of Lenny Pickett and Michael Brecker: Live In Helsinki 1995, both on Random Act Records. He has toured with Natalie Cole and conducted performances with Paquito de Rivera, Mercer Ellington, Steve Turre, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. His album 3:AM (Amosaya Records), features his New York City ensemble, the Rich Shemaria Big Band. In January 2019, his Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra was premiered featuring Wayne du Maine on trumpet. A concerto for bassoon and chamber orchestra is currently under construction.