Biography

Christopher Jessup is a multi award-winning composer and pianist praised for his “lovely” [The New York Times], “imaginative” [Fanfare], and “ethereal” [Textura] music. Jessup’s compositions are characterized by a unique handling of atmosphere and a distinctive balance between whimsicality and austerity. His passion for artistic collaboration coupled with his extensive background as a performer has earned him a reputation as one of the finest young musicians of his generation.

Jessup’s works have been 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, GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, flutist Lindsey Goodman, and countless others. Recent and upcoming engagements include a premiere at Carnegie Hall, a 2025 album release, and a work to be performed by the New York Virtuoso Singers. Jessup’s music is released on GRAMMY® Award-winning label Navona Records and his works are published by Noten Roehr Frankfurt.

As a pianist, Jessup has concertized at notable venues across the globe, including numerous performances at Carnegie Hall. He has also appeared as a soloist with orchestras in the United States and Italy. In addition to performing recitals of standard classical repertoire, Jessup frequently premieres his own works as well.

Jessup has received various awards and accolades, including the American Prize, a National Sawdust BluePrint Fellowship, a Global Music Award, and two Clouzine International Music Awards. He was named a “Young Classical Star” by Classic FM in 2022. 

Jessup studied at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of composer Melinda Wagner and pianist Jerome Lowenthal. He currently resides in New York City.