Double bassist Brett Shurtliffe is the Associate Principal with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Brett received his Bachelor in Music and the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James VanDemark and his Master in Music from Duquesne University, where he studied with Jeffrey Turner. 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, becoming one of only three bassists from around the globe to win prizes in both the ISB’s solo and orchestral competitions. Other honors include 1st Prize PADE-ASTA Solo Competition, and Top Honors for Double Bass at the National ASTA Solo Competition. Since joining the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra in 2007, Brett has appeared seven times as a soloist with the BPO, as well as with the Amherst Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, and the orchestra of SUNY Cortland.
Brett’s playing has been described as “immaculate” in a 2012 Bass World review, 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 to many unique venues across the U.S. and Canada, including an evening headline recital for the 2013 ISB convention at The Eastman School of Music. Before joining the BPO, he performed with the Chautauqua, Erie, Detroit and Pittsburgh Symphonies. Apart from performing, he has commissioned new works for the double bass, as well as creating numerous transcriptions of his own including Bazzini’s Round of the Goblins, Kabalevsky’s 1st Cello Concerto, and Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen. Brett has served as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at The Eastman School of Music, Grove City College, and SUNY Fredonia, where he created “Fredonia Bass Fest,” a one day event that attracted bassists from around the region for a high school solo competition, master classes, and performances. Along with his current private studio, he serves as Adjunct Professor of Double Bass at Houghton College, and is on faculty at the International Festival Institute in Round Top Texas. He currently resides in Boston NY with his wife Andrea and their two daughters Madelyn and Ashlyn.
Recital
Bret Shurtliffe
March 5, 2023
Kresge Theatre
“Prepared” Improvisation by Brett Shurtliffe
Caprice No. 1 by Edouard Nanny (1872-1942)
Shenandoah Loop, traditional arranged by Brett Shurtliffe
Libertango by Astor Piazolla (1921-1992), and arranged by Brett Shurtliffe
Mercy by Max Richter (b. 1966), and arranged by Brett Shurtliffe
Motivy by Emil Tabakov (b. 1947)
Late Night Loop by Brett Shurtliffe
Tuvan Commuter by Brett Shurtliffe
Hymn for Chrissy by Brett Shurtliffe
Goodbye Loop by Brett Shurtliffe
Pittsburgh Double Bass Symposium 