ISB 2023 Convention Presenter — Brett Shurtliffe

Brett Shurtliffe is the Associate Principal Double Bassist with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.  In 2003 he was the only American prizewinner at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, and two years later took 1st Prize at the ISB Orchestral Competition.  Since joining Buffalo in 2007, Brett has appeared numerous times as a soloist with the BPO, as well as numerous orchestras around the country.  Brett received his B.M. and the prestigious Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James VanDemark and his M.M. from Duquesne University, where he studied with Jeffrey Turner.

Brett’s playing has been described as “immaculate” (Bass World), and “Not even Johann Sebastian shredded as hard as this guy” were the accolades from an imaginative recital at a downtown Buffalo night club.  His recital engagements have taken him across the U.S. and Canada, and before joining the BPO, he performed with the Wheeling, Erie, Detroit and Pittsburgh Symphonies.  Brett has served as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at SUNY Fredonia and the Eastman School of Music and is currently at Canisius and Houghton Colleges, as well as on faculty at the International Festival Institute in Round Top Texas.