What were you up to before you came to San Diego?
Before joining the SDSO I played 2nd flute in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for 7 years. My true calling is playing piccolo, so when the position opened up in the San Diego Symphony I was so excited!
What’s your favorite thing about San Diego?
I have lived in a lot of places, and San Diego is my favorite!!! I love being so close to the ocean and mountains. There’s beauty everywhere. Not to mention that my colleagues in the SDSO are the absolute BEST.
What were you up to before you came to San Diego?
Before moving to San Diego I lived in Los Angeles with my husband and was a member of Pacific Symphony.
What’s your favorite thing about San Diego?
What I love most about San Diego is being able to perform and work with the SDSO and Rafael Payare! I also love my very short commute to the hall (5 minutes!) Outside of work I enjoy going on walks and exploring my neighborhood with my newborn daughter. I can’t wait to start performing , and for her to hear the symphony for the first time.
Christopher Smith, Principal Trumpet
What were you up to before you came to San Diego?
Immediately prior to winning the audition for Principal Trumpet with SDSO in Jan 2019, I was “Acting Principal” with SDSO for 3 months while also “Acting Principal” with the Pacific Northwest Ballet Orchestra since 2017 AND continuing to be the “Acting Associate Principal” with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra where I had held the 4th/Utility Trumpet position since 2008.
What’s your favorite thing about San Diego?
Other than the weather, my favorite thing(s) about San Diego are the people. Not only did the SDSO welcome me warmly from day one, but also the city at large has been so incredibly inviting. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing group of people I workout with at Bear Republic Crossfit. I found them when I first started working with SDSO and was traveling between San Diego, Montreal, touring in Europe and Seattle. Though I’m no stranger to travel and lots of touring, they made my life SO much better during a hectic time. And on that note, I’d say just being here in San Diego is awesome – my wife and I were long-distance for eight years, with her in Seattle and me in Montreal. So to be here together, working in a fantastic orchestra, and in a city where we can enjoy the warm weather, the beach (one of our favorite things), and such friendly people is a dream.
Anything you’d like to add?
Winning the Principal Trumpet position here with the SDSO has been a twenty year goal in the making. When I won my first job with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in 2000, I knew that at some point I wanted to play in a major symphony orchestra. Twenty years, many auditions and positions with several different orchestras which have literally taken me around the world, my wife, Nicole and I couldn’t be happier to finally call San Diego home!
What were you up to before you came to San Diego?
Before moving to San Diego, I spent two seasons as a Fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach.
What’s your favorite thing about San Diego?
I love the perfect weather and great variety of food here, but more than anything, my favorite thing would have to be the San Diego Symphony community. The musicians, staff, and concertgoers keep me happy and proud to do what we do everyday, and I can’t wait until we can all be together again!
