Alumni Christopher Bassett ’16 and Davis You ’24 Earn Tenure with the San Francisco Symphony

Published on February 27, 2025

Alumni Christopher Bassett ’16 and Davis You ’24 have been granted tenure with the San Francisco Symphony, marking a significant milestone in their careers.

Appointed by Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, Christopher Bassett has served as the Symphony’s bass trombonist since 2024. Previously, he held the same role with the St. Louis, Jacksonville, and Santa Fe Opera orchestras and performed with major ensembles, including the Boston Symphony and The Cleveland Orchestra. While at NEC, Christopher studied under the tutelage of James Markey. 

In addition to performing, Bassett is co-founder of the Southwest Trombone Conference and serves on the faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. A past winner of the Zellmer and ITA Kleinhammer competitions, he will release his debut solo album, In Dreams, in 2025.

A Bay Area native, Davis You joined the Symphony’s cello section in the 2024–25 season. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance at NEC, studying with Laurence Lesser and Paul Katz. As a member of Quartet Luminera, he won silver at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and has performed at prestigious festivals, including Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Taos Chamber Music Festival.

Bassett and You’s achievements highlight NEC’s legacy of excellence, with alumni continuing to make an impact in leading orchestras worldwide.

Congratulations, Christopher and Davis!

 

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