Biography

Praised as “one of the finest examples of outstanding music-making,” bass trombonist Christopher Bassett is recognized for his detail, expressiveness, and commitment to expanding the trombone’s repertoire. He is the bass trombonist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra and maintains an active 2025–26 season with solo and recital engagements in major cities including St. Louis, Chicago, Albuquerque, Columbus (GA), Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, and beyond. He also tours with the Ascension Trombone Quartet and performs with the STL Trombones.
A dedicated educator, Bassett is co-founder of the Southwest Trombone Conference and serves as visiting faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has presented
masterclasses internationally, held visiting professorships at Indiana University and the University of Florida, and will teach at several major 2026 summer festivals including the Southeast Trombone Symposium and a tour with the International Wind Ensemble Festival to southern China.
Originally from Oceanside, California, he studied at the New England Conservatory and Columbus State University with esteemed teachers including Sean Reusch, James Markey, and Dr. Bradley Palmer. His past positions include the Jacksonville Symphony, Santa Fe Opera, and a one-year tenure with the San Francisco Symphony. His competition successes
include Grand Prize in the Zellmer Competition and first prizes at the ATW, ITA Edward Kleinhammer, and ITA Quartet competitions.
Bassett has performed as a soloist across Asia, Mexico, and the United States, and recently released his 2025 debut solo album “In Dreams.” He performs on his signature Ultimate Brass mouthpiece line and is an artist for Edwards Instrument Co. and Peck Custom Designs. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, SLSO violinist Siyu Zhang