Christopher Chappell is the acting principal second violinist in the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSO), has played in the JSO since 1990, and is a founder of Prelude Chamber Music.
Chris is from Rochester, New York, where he began playing violin at age six in the first grade. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music from the Eastman School of Music and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University.
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.
Chris is married to Sara, and they have four children – Ruth, Leah, James and Marie. All enjoy music. Ruth sang in the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and played piano. She graduated from Jacksonville University. Leah graduated from Florida State University with a cello performance degree and now teaches music. James plays piano and attends college in New York. Marie plays harp in the Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra. All attended Prelude Chamber Music Camp.
Chris comments that “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.” Chris adds that his personal faith in Jesus Christ is central to how he lives life and he enjoys tennis, cycling and “getting out into nature” on foot or in a canoe.
Mozart and Bach are his favorite composers, although there are many others that he would say are his favorites on the week he happens to be performing their pieces.