Christopher Acquavella is a classical mandolinist & educator from San Diego, California. He performs classical repertoire on both modern and baroque mandolins, using period techniques. Chris graduated First Class Honors from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance in London, England. He studied under the instruction of Alison Stephens and participated in Master Class with Caterina Lichtenberg. Chris won the Wolfsan Foundation Music Award in 2004 and was awarded the TCM Trust Silver Medal for String Studies in 2006. Education about the mandolin and its history is a big part of Chris' artistic goals in workshops, recordings and performance.

As the Artistic Director/Conductor of the New Expression Mandolin Orchestra, Chris aims to continue the traditions & education of original classical mandolin orchestral repertoire. Chris is currently a member of the Ger Mandolin Orchestra, directed by Mike Marshall. Aside from teaching and performing on the mandolin, Chris composes new works for mandolin & mandolin ensembles. Several of his works are now published by Joachim-Trekel-Musikverlag, Hamburg.

Chris Acquavella's Web Site