Vimbayi Kaziboni

Assistant Conductor, Debut Orchestra

Appointed Assistant Conductor of the Debut Orchestra in April 2010, Zimbabwe native Vimbayi Kaziboni has received considerable acclaim as both a conductor and percussionist.  His principal conducting role is as founding artistic director and principal conductor of the Los Angeles-based What’s Next? contemporary music ensemble.  In 2006, Vimbayi founded Rhythm’s n’ Grooves, a summer percussion camp comprised of aspirant young percussionists in Omaha, Nebraska where he serves as the percussion ensemble’s music director and principal conductor. During the summer months, he also works with Salvation Army youth music programs tailored to educate and safeguard underprivileged children in Omaha, Seattle and Los Angeles.

As a performer Vimbayi has found considerable success, winning solo contests and concerto competitions as well as numerous awards, including the esteemed Irwin Fischer Music Leadership Award.  His highlights as a young percussionist include playing with the prestigious National Festival Orchestra (NFO) in 2006, performing under revered conductors Lukas Foss and Benjamin Zander.  His young career has taken him to the most prestigious American concert halls, including the Walt Disney Hall (Los Angeles), Salle Cortot (Paris) and the historic Carnegie Hall (New York) among others.  He has traveled abroad on music engagements to Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and most recently his travels took him to Paris where he studied conducting at the École Normale de Musique and conducted in concert halls and cathedrals around France.

Vimbayi’s career and artistic efforts have been recognized by the media including the The Zimbabwe Herald, The Omaha World Herald, The Omaha Stars, and he has also been featured in a biographical exposé on KPTM Fox News. Recently, he conducted the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra in concert on the occasion of their fiftieth anniversary performing the world premiere of his Fanfare for the Common Youth.

Vimbayi is currently a senior at the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion Performance. His primary teachers include Erik Forrestor, percussion, Lucinda Carver, conducting, and Morten Lauridsen, composition.