Christopher Bassett

Christopher Bassett began his career with both the Jacksonville Symphony and the Santa Fe Opera in 2017. In 2022, he won a position as acting bass trombone with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He then was appointed by Esa-Pekka Salonen in 2024 to play with the San Francisco Symphony where he performed for one season before being chosen by Stéphane Denève to return to St. Louis as a full-time member of the SLSO in 2025.

Raised in Oceanside, California, Bassett began his studies with Sean Reusch. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) from 2012-2017 where he obtained his bachelor’s degree and pursued his graduate studies with James Markey. He later went on to complete his post graduate work while he was a member of the SLSO in 2024 at the Columbus State University where he studied with Dr. Bradley Palmer.

While in school, Bassett won Grand Prize in the Zellmer Competition as well as first prize at the ITA Edward Kleinhammer and ITA Quartet competitions. Upon returning to NEC to pursue post-graduate work, he received the Tourjée Scholarship which is given annually to one outstanding, returning student who displays immense promise in their career from the New England Conservatory of Music. He was also a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in 2016.

Passionate about working with the next generation of musicians, he is a co-founder of the Southwest Trombone Conference and serves on the faculty of the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He frequently presents masterclasses around the world having worked with students in Mexico, Japan, Canada, and across the United States. Appearances of his have included residencies as a visiting professor at Indiana University and the University of Florida.

Bassett is also active as a soloist and chamber musician. He has performed in South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and across the United States. He tours internationally as a member of the Ascension Trombone Quartet and the STL Trombones. Additionally, he has performed as a part of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival on multiple occasions. In 2024, he made his debut as an orchestral soloist performing the Sachse Konzert with the Coastal Symphony of Georgia.

Bassett performs exclusively on his signature mouthpiece designed by Ultimate Brass. He is also a performing artist for Edwards Instrument Co., 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.