Christopher Bassett joins the San Francisco Symphony in 2024. Prior to his appointment by Esa-Pekka Salonen, he served as bass trombonist with the St. Louis Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and Santa Fe Opera. He has also performed with the Boston Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, and the Indianapolis Symphony.
Mr. Bassett grew up in Oceanside, California where he began his studies at the age of 10 with Sean Reusch. He holds degrees from the New England Conservatory (BM 2016) and the Columbus State University (MM 2024) where he studied with James Markey and Dr. Bradley Palmer, respectively. In 2017, he won the grand prize in the Zellmer Trombone Competition, and first prize in the Edward Kleinhammer and ITA Trombone Quartet competitions.
Passionate about working with the next generation of musicians, he co-founded the Southwest Trombone Conference, a week-long trombone seminar located in Albuquerque, NM. He also frequently serves as a guest artist, clinician, and soloist around the world having made appearances in Korea, Mexico, and all across the United States. He has been in residency as a visiting professor at Indiana University and the University of Florida presenting recitals, masterclasses, and teaching private lessons. He also serves as guest faculty at the Southeast Trombone Symposium. His students have won leadership positions in Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra program, and All-State Ensembles, and consistently earn scholarships to study at highly competitive top university music programs.
In the 24-25 season, he looks forward to visiting the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto to present 2 masterclasses and to returning to Columbus State University to perform alongside fellow CSU graduates in Jennifer Higdon’s Low Brass Concerto as part of a celebration for Dr. Bradley Palmer’s 25th anniversary at CSU’s Schwob School of Music.
In addition to his career as a trombonist, Mr. Bassett spends his time researching neurological studies on how the brain learns and processes information. He uses this research to assist in creating more efficient and effective ways to practice for musicians.
Mr. Bassett is a performing artist for Edwards Instrument Co., Griego Mouthpieces, and Peck Custom Designs. His musicianship can be heard on a CD entitled “Tres Amigos” by the Santa Fe Trombones as well as on his debut solo album entitled “In Dreams” to be released in 2025. You can learn more about him at cbtrombone.com
“If the end goal is for our instrument to become one with our voice and sing in perfect harmony with the idea we have in our minds, my Edwards trombone is what makes that possible. Whether as a soloist or in an opera or symphonic orchestra, my 502-I consistently helps me achieve the goals, colors, and phrases I want. This instrument truly is my voice.”