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Christopher Jessup is an American composer and pianist. His music has been described by The New York Times as possessing an “eerie wonder.” His work is characterized by an evocative and emotionally-rich style, often drawing inspiration from poetry, philosophy, and astronomy, and blending elements of traditional classical forms with contemporary approaches. Jessup’s compositions range from intimate miniatures to large-scale orchestral and choral works.
Jessup's music has been commissioned, performed, and recorded internationally by ensembles and soloists including the London Symphony Orchestra, Juilliard Orchestra, Nürnberger Symphoniker, Brno Contemporary Orchestra, GRAMMY® Award-winning choir The Crossing, New York Virtuoso Singers, Kühn's Choir Prague, Choral Arts Initiative, Mostly Modern Brass, National Sawdust Ensemble, GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti, flutist Lindsey Goodman, violinist Kevin Zhu, violist Brett Deubner, cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, and soprano Bree Nichols, among others.
Jessup first gained international attention at the age of sixteen with the premiere of his own piano concerto in Italy. He has since appeared as a pianist at venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and National Sawdust. His performances have been praised as “refined and eloquent” by New York Concert Review and “absolutely breathtaking” by Interlude.
Jessup’s work appears on several GRAMMY®-recognized recordings and has received distinctions from ASCAP, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the American Prize, the Respighi Prize, and National Sawdust. His music has been featured in The New York Times, Billboard, Gramophone, Fanfare, and Pianist Magazine, and broadcast on NPR and Classic FM. His recordings are released on Navona Records, and his works are published by BCP Music.
Jessup is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied composition with Melinda Wagner and piano with Jerome Lowenthal. He is based in New York City. |
