John Geggie is a renowned Canadian double bassist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born in Ottawa, Canada, on August 15, 1960, Geggie grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Geggie started playing the piano at the age of five, but he soon switched to the double bass, which became his primary instrument. Geggie's musical education began at the age of 12 when he started taking lessons from Ottawa Symphony Orchestra's principal bassist, Joel Quarrington. He continued his studies at the University of Ottawa, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1982. After completing his undergraduate studies, Geggie moved to New York City to study with renowned bassist and composer, Dave Holland, at the Manhattan School of Music. In 1984, Geggie returned to Ottawa and began his professional career as a freelance musician. He quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after bassists in the city, performing with various orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. In 1987, Geggie joined the National Arts Centre Orchestra as its principal bassist, a position he held for 13 years. During his tenure with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Geggie performed in numerous concerts and recordings, including the orchestra's critically acclaimed recording of Mahler's Symphony No. 9. He also collaborated with many renowned conductors and soloists, such as Pinchas Zukerman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman. In addition to his work with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Geggie also pursued a career as a jazz musician. He formed his own jazz trio, which performed regularly in Ottawa and other Canadian cities. He also collaborated with many jazz musicians, including pianist Marilyn Crispell, saxophonist David Murray, and drummer Gerry Hemingway. Geggie's talent as a composer also began to emerge during this time. He wrote several pieces for the National Arts Centre Orchestra, including a concerto for double bass and orchestra, which he premiered with the orchestra in 1997. He also composed music for various jazz ensembles and chamber groups. In 2000, Geggie left the National Arts Centre Orchestra to focus on his career as a freelance musician and composer. He continued to perform with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He also continued to collaborate with many jazz musicians, both in Canada and internationally. Geggie's reputation as a composer continued to grow, and he received several commissions to write music for various ensembles and festivals. In 2005, he was commissioned by the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival to write a piece for the festival's opening concert. The resulting work, entitled "The River," was a suite for jazz trio and string quartet and was performed to critical acclaim. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Geggie is also a dedicated music educator. He has taught at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and the Banff Centre for the Arts. He has also given masterclasses and workshops at various universities and music schools throughout Canada and the United States. Geggie's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

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