Christopher Powell is a freelance cellist based in Greenville, SC. He started playing cello when he was 9 years old after a Cellist visited his 3rd grade classroom and shared his love of music. Chris was born in Louisville, KY and began his studies at the Louisville Academy of Music where he studied for four years and later began lessons with Megumi Ohkubo. He became a member of the Louisville Youth Orchestra as principle Cellist in the Repertory and Symphony Orchestras. Chris was also the co-winner of the Mastropolo Cello Scholarship in 1996 and attended the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts. In 1997 Chris had the honor to meet and audition for Janos Starker and the Indiana University Music Program. He was accepted to study under Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi but decided to take a different direction with his music. He attended the University of Evansville where he also accepted positions with the Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. In 1998 he moved back to Louisville, KY and continued his musical studies at the University of Louisville School of Music where he was principle Cellist for 4 years. He also acquired sub positions for the Louisville Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Bowling Green Orchestra.


During this time, Christopher discovered that one of his major musicalpassions was playing in small ensembles. He began to play for various music agencies in the Louisville area and took quite a liking to weddings and other unique events. He enjoys the "quick on your feet" thinking and musical freedom that can be gained through these types of playing opportunities. He is a musician that is not afraid to play any type of music and can adapt well to any situation. Improvisation, excellent sight reading and the ability to create a Cello line out of any piece of music are skills that earned him a reputation in the Louisville area. Chris used these skills to add to the worship atmosphere in many churches, and in turn, grew in appreciation of the gift that he had been given.


In addition to the performance side of his career, Chris is a very keen educator. His experience in educating others began at Kentucky Country Day Academy as assistant Orchestra director. Following this opportunity, he visited schools in Jefferson Co, Oldham Co and outhern Indiana introducing the Cello and performing to students of all ages. During his undergraduate years he taught Cello with the Kentucky School for the Blind.


He relocated to Greenville, SC in early 2008 to marry his lovely wife, Cara. One of his goals in the Upstate is to make live, quality string music a viable option for anyone who seeks it. Chris has now met and performed with a variety of Upstate musicians and organizations and can create an affordable, quality ensemble that will fit any need.



Some of the local groups Chris has played with so far are:

The Greenville Symphony Orchestra

Kyle Matthews

The Caroline Pops Orchestra

The Pinner String Quartet

Classic Touch

Bob Jones Opera / Sound Force Recordings