Kebra-Seyoun Charles Loaned an 18th-Century Double Bass

The instrument was loaned by Jess Ting, a gender-affirming surgeon at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York

Double bassist and composer Kebra-Seyoun Charles has been loaned a rare 18th-century bass, which was likely made by Luigi Alosio Marconcini towards the end of the century.

The loan was facilitated by Melissa Ngan, CEO of the American Composers Orchestra, who reached out to Irene Miller, a collector and lender of rare violins, to help find Kebra an instrument.

Irene then contacted Nicholas King, the founder of After Arts, who then contacted Dr. Jess Ting. Irene, Nick, and Jess are all members of After Arts, a community of business professionals who share a background in music.

Dr. Jess Ting, who studied double bass at The Juilliard School before going into gender-affirming care, also owns a collection of musical instruments. During both his childhood and his music studies, Ting did not have access to a high-quality instrument to play, and he wanted to provide this opportunity for Charles.

In addition, Ting has also funded a new work by Charles, the Nightlife concerto — which will receive its premiere with the American Composers Orchestra on October 30, 2024.

The winner of the 2022 Sphinx Competition, Charles has appeared with East Coast Chamber Orchestra, A Far Cry, Palaver Strings, and the Sphinx Virtuosi, and alongside artists including Jon Batiste and Tyshawn Sorey. They hold degrees from the New England Conservatory and The Juilliard School.

"When I heard about Keb’s situation, it struck a chord with me," Ting said. "I was more than happy to lend them this beautiful instrument."

"The absence of a decent instrument was one of the reasons I eventually gave up pursuing a career in music. It feels like I’m lending a younger version of myself an instrument, compensating for the deprivations of my own youth."