Pianist Rich Shemaria

is a prolific composer and has orchestrated much of Combo Nuvo's music for the symphony, jazz orchestra and chamber groups.  He has written music for John Scofield, Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, Michael & Randy Brecker, Lenny Pickett, Teo Macero, Wayne Krantz,  Stefon Harris, Little Jimmy Scott, Roberta Gambarini, Don Friedman and the Airmen Of Note. 

Shemaria served as the director of the UMO Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki, Finland from 1994-96. Since 2003, he has been teaching composition/arranging, directing the jazz orchestra and holds the position of Composer in Residence at NYU Steinhardt Jazz Studies.