Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Jessup
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a composer and pianist based in New York City. I started composing and playing piano at an early age, and since then I’ve had my music performed and recorded by the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Brno Contemporary Orchestra, the Juilliard Orchestra, multi GRAMMY® Award-winning choir The Crossing, the Kühn Choir of Prague, the National Sawdust Ensemble, GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, flutist Lindsey Goodman, and countless others. I’ve also performed at Carnegie Hall nearly a dozen times and received various awards, including the American Prize in Composition, a National Sawdust BluePrint Fellowship, a Global Music Award, and two Clouzine International Music Awards. I studied at the famed Juilliard School under the tutelage of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner and world-renowned pianist Jerome Lowenthal.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an artist is no easy road, but with hard work and determination, it can be truly rewarding! Being a composer and performer, I have had to develop a lot of inner strength and resilience. These are two qualities that I believe are essential to being a successful artist. I’m also not afraid to take risks, and I’m able to learn and grow through the process of trial and error.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a composer and pianist based in New York City. I’ve had my music performed and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, the Brno Contemporary Orchestra, the Juilliard Orchestra, multi GRAMMY® Award-winning choir The Crossing, the Kühn Choir of Prague, the National Sawdust Ensemble, the New York Virtuoso Singers, GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, GRAMMY® Award-nominated pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti, violist Brett Deubner, flutist Lindsey Goodman, and countless others. My music is released on GRAMMY® Award-winning label Navona Records and my works are published by Noten Roehr Frankfurt. I’ve received numerous awards and accolades, including the American Prize in Composition, a National Sawdust BluePrint Fellowship, a Global Music Award, and two Clouzine International Music Awards. As a pianist, I’ve concertized at notable venues across the globe, including nearly a dozen performances at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. I’ve also appeared as a soloist with orchestras in North America and Europe. In addition to performing recitals of standard classical repertoire, I frequently premiere my own works as well.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be the numerous pets I had. I’ve always had animals in my life, as I find them extremely comforting. Playing with my dogs and rabbits as a child will forever be one of my most cherished memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://christopherjessup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechristopherjessup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechristopherjessup/
- Twitter: https://x.com/cjmusic123
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Awesomecomposer
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/christopherjessup
