Kebra-Seyoun Charles (they/them) is a double-bassist originally from Miami, Florida and winner of the 2022 Sphinx Competition. They received their Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, where they studied with Todd Seeber and Lawrence Wolfe. Kebra-Seyoun earned their Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School, under the tutelage of Joseph Conyers. They are also a recipient of the prestigious Jerome L. Greene and Morse Teaching Artist Fellowships.

Growing up the son of an African drummer and dancer, Kebra-Seyoun was exposed to music at a very early age. Early exposure to jazz, gospel, and traditional African music led Kebra to express interest in other forms of music. They now study classical music passionately and draw influence and inspiration from ostensibly contrasting genres and musicians, in a fusion of styles they term “Counter-Classical.” In line with their upbringing, Kebra-Seyoun is able to give prominence to the dance qualities in all forms of music.

Kebra-Seyoun is a two-time winner of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra’s concerto competition, winner of NAACP’s ACT-SO concerto competition, and has been featured by Performance Today, Young Arts, and From the Top. In addition to their solo career, Kebra has collaborated with many different ensembles, including A Far Cry, Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and Palaver Strings.

Exhibiting their versatility, Kebra-Seyoun has had the opportunity to play alongside esteemed improvisers and composers including 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner Tyshawn Sorey, and a Carnegie Hall appearance with Jon Batiste. Kebra-Seyoun was also featured in “Slugs’ Saloon” at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, an interactive installation created by famed jazz musician and composer Jason Moran.

Currently, in addition to their solo career, Kebra-Seyoun Charles is a passionate chamber musician. Playing with groups like East Coast Chamber Orchestra, A Far Cry, Palaver Strings, and the Sphinx Virtuosi afford Kebra the opportunity to showcase their musicianship while still playing within an ensemble. A prime example of this is their tenure on the 2019 Emmy award-winning Broadway production “Hadestown”. As if this weren’t enough, they also have 32 piercings.

Learn more at www.kscharles.com.