Christopher Mertz, 15, is a composer, bassist, and historically-informed performer based in the Chicago area. As a soloist, he studies with Chicago Symphony bassist Ian Hallas and has been honored at myriad competitions, including the International Society of Bassists Competition, CSO Crain-Maling competition, and O’Malley Foundation competition.
As an orchestral performer, Mertz served or will serve as a bassist in the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America 2 for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He also performs with Midwest Young Artists Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and the semi-professional Highland Park Strings. As an early music enthusiast, he studies viola de gamba with Katherine Shuldiner and performs with the Stevenson Baroque Ensemble.
A recent highlight was his orchestral premiere of Michał Bylina’s Baroque-inspired Double Bass Concerto no. 1 in d minor. As a composer, Christopher places emphasis upon expanding the double bass repertoire, particularly in solo and chamber settings. He also takes a keen interest in the neoclassical tradition.
In his free time, Christopher enjoys planning increasingly fantastical public transport-based travel itineraries, collecting business cards, studying the idiosyncrasies of William Jennings Bryan, and acting in PAnderson Theatre, where he has won many Golden Panda Awards.
