Christopher Jessup is an award-winning composer and pianist whose music has been hailed as “lovely” (The New York Times), “imaginative” (Fanfare), and “ethereal” (Textura). Acclaimed for his evocative, emotionally-rich style—often inspired by poetry, philosophy, and astronomy—Jessup bridges lyricism and modernity, weaving together classical traditions with a voice uniquely his own. His works range from musical miniatures that capture intimate sonic landscapes with clarity and depth to expansive orchestral and choral scores, reflecting a vision that is both personal and universal.

Jessup’s music has been commissioned, performed, and recorded internationally by leading ensembles and soloists, including the London Symphony Orchestra, GRAMMY® Award-winning choir The Crossing, the Juilliard Orchestra, the Brno Contemporary Orchestra, the New York Virtuoso Singers, the Kühn Choir of Prague, the National Sawdust Ensemble, cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, violinist Kevin Zhu, GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Nadia Shpachenko, pianist Allison Brewster Franzetti, and violist Brett Deubner, among others.

Jessup first gained international attention at age sixteen with the premiere of his own piano concerto in Italy. He has since established himself as both a composer and pianist of distinction, appearing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, National Sawdust, and other notable venues throughout North America and Europe. His piano performances and recordings have been lauded as “refined and eloquent” (New York Concert Review) and “absolutely breathtaking” (Interlude).

Jessup’s work appears on several GRAMMY®-recognized recordings and has received honors from ASCAP, 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.

Recent and upcoming highlights include album releases with the London Symphony Orchestra and The Crossing; new works for the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra, Mostly Modern Brass, OLEA Ensemble, soprano Bree Nichols, flutist Lindsey Goodman, and pianist Clare Longendyke; the premiere of a solo flute work at Carnegie Hall; performances by the TEMPO Ensemble, Choral Arts Initiative, and the New York Virtuoso Singers; and solo piano appearances at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied composition with Pulitzer Prize-winner Melinda Wagner and piano with Jerome Lowenthal, Jessup is based in New York City.