Christopher Palmer, Woodwinds
Chris was born in The Hague, Netherlands of Canadian parents. At the age of four, his family moved to London England, where he grew up. When he was 17, his family moved back to Canada, but he remained in England to study at the Royal College of Music. After graduation, Chris taught woodwinds in the Mid-Lothian Schools district outside Edinburgh, Scotland, and while there performed with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Next, he moved to Kelowna, BC, taking on the position of Principal Bassoon with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra. During his five years, he played in many recitals, and also was active as a teacher, accompanist, coach and conductor. Chris played occasionally with the Vancouver Symphony and the CBC Vancouver Orchestra.
In 1983, Chris moved to Ottawa to continue his studies, and played Principal Bassoon with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, as well as some engagements with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. In 1985 he came to Halifax to join Symphony Nova Scotia as second bassoon.
Chris has performed as soloist with SNS, given solo recitals, teaches, performs in other groups, plays organ at his church, plays jazz piano, and most recently he has become well-known as a composer and arranger, receiving commissions by SNS, Upstream Ensemble, Rhapsody Quintet, and the Blue Engine String Quartet.