The Musicians
Christopher Chappell (Violin)
Member of the JSO: Since 1990; Assistant Principal Second since 2002
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music, Eastman School of Music; Master’s degree in Violin Performance, Indiana University
When he began playing: Chris began playing the violin at age six, when he was in the first grade.
Performance experience: Before coming to Jacksonville, Chris was associate concertmaster of Savannah Symphony, and acting concertmaster for the Yamagata Symphony in Japan. He has performed as soloist with each of these orchestras. Chris can be heard performing in various chamber groups here in Jacksonville as well.
Most memorable JSO experience: Chris's most memorable moment was when Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman performed together with the symphony. Chris said, “It was more their clowning around on their instruments in the rehearsal than what they did in the actual concert that absolutely blew me away.”
Family: Wife Sara and four children - Ruth, Leah, James and Marie.
Special interests: “My personal faith in Jesus Christ is central.” Chris enjoys tennis, cycling and “getting out into nature” on foot or in a canoe.
Favorite composers: Mozart and Bach are Chris's favorite composers; although there are many others that he would say are his favorites on the week he happens to be performing their pieces.
On performing: “For me, a live performance of a great symphonic work is a reflection of the glory of God's order and balance in Creation; the unfolding of history in time and space.”
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