Joseph Alessi

Joseph Alessi is a renowned American trombonist who has made a name for himself in the classical music world. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1959, Alessi began playing the trombone at the age of nine. He went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1982.

Alessi's talent on the trombone quickly became evident, and he was soon performing with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the country. In 1985, he joined the New York Philharmonic as principal trombonist, a position he still holds today. He has also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
In addition to his work with orchestras, Alessi is also an active chamber musician. He has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Summit Brass, and the Canadian Brass, among others. He is also a founding member of the trombone quartet, Summit Trombones.
Alessi's recordings have received critical acclaim, and he has won several awards for his work. His solo recordings include "Slide Area," "Beyond the End of the Century," and "Return to Sorrento." He has also recorded with the New York Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to his work as a performer, Alessi is also a respected teacher. He has taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Tanglewood Music Center. He currently serves as the professor of trombone at the Yale School of Music.
Alessi's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2002, he was awarded the International Trombone Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been named a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in London and an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark.
Despite his busy schedule, Alessi continues to perform and record. His most recent recording, "Songs of the Reeds," was released in 2019. He also continues to teach and mentor young musicians, ensuring that the next generation of trombonists will be just as talented and dedicated as he is.