Artem Chirkov, principal double bass, is a native of St. Petersburg. He began to play the bass at age 16 at the School for Gifted Children, and furthered his studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He continued postgraduate studies at the “Hochschule fur Music und Theater” in Munich, Germany. He has won many prizes, most recently the first prize of the inaugural Bradetich Foundation International Double Bass Solo Competition in Denton, Texas. In 2004, he became the youngest principal double bass in history of St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Chirkov has given master classes in conservatories and universities throughout the world, and tours internationally with the Philharmonic and chamber groups, in particular the renowned Bassiona Amorosa.