Chris Grist is an acclaimed Cellist, Artistic Director of the renowned chamber ensemble, London Concertante, founder and cellist of the extraordinary gypsy-tango band, ZUM, record producer, former ski instructor and avid traveller and photographer.

With entrepreneurial inclinations clearly present in his genes, Chris began his concert promotion activities at the tender age of 14, featuring his own 6-piece jazz band. He started his own chamber orchestra aged 15 and, when he began his musical studies at the Guildhall, founded London Concertante at the age of just 19.

He has produced and executive produced on more than 25 CDs and 2 DVDs released on diverse labels (including his own - CMG) including Toccata Classics, Chandos and Harmonia Mundi, with three more disks planned in 2010 alone.

Never one to do one thing when eight can be done at once, Chris embarked on peripheral career as a ski instructor at 23. He spent 10 years teaching skiing throughout Europe, working in Austria, Italy and France and is an (every-so-slightly lapsed) member of the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, holding a Ski Teacher (ISIA) qualification.

His passion for travel and photography (often combined) has taken him to many far-flung corners of the earth, with many more yet to explore. The combination of sights, sounds, smells and cultures never fail to excite and will undoubtedly continue to be a vital part of Chris' life.

Chris lives in London with his partner Zoe and his two kids, Joshua and Imogen.