Melbourne was a city of music for JOCELYN WANG when she first arrived. For the subject of her photo essay, she naturally chose a musician – freelance double bass player Christopher Bainbridge. 

"Western classical music, especially the double bass, is attractive to me as it is rare in China. I am eager to know the musician’s career, which used to be a dream job for me," she says.

"Sometimes I would like to watch a street artists’ performance standing there for a long while in the busy street. That’s the unique fascination of this romantic, recreational city."

The bass player 

Christopher Bainbridge, 25, is a freelance double bass player from Canberra. He studied at the Australian National University in Canberra, the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne and Kunstuniversität Graz in Austria. He plays in orchestras in Melbourne and around the world.

Christopher studies different recordings and makes notes on a score in his home rehearsal room in preparation for a concert. Performing at such a high level requires virtuosity, sensitive musicianship and hard work. Much of Christopher’s time is spent recording and editing music.

Christopher surrounds himself with many instruments but his first musical love is the double bass and he never misses a moment to play.

A musician’s job is not typically nine to five. Christopher heads off for an evening’s orchestra rehearsal with his heavy double bass.

Christopher performs as a guest player with the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Recital Centre. 

During a break in the concert, Christopher chats with another player to relieve tension. In creating beautiful music classical musicians form a unique bond and Christopher has built many friendships through his dedication to music.

Christopher greets his girlfriend and No.1 fan Daria after the two-hour concert as they head off to celebrate a successful classical performance.