Equally at home as an orchestral member, pit musician, soloist, and teacher, Mr. Bendel maintains a full time career as a professional bassist. As a distinguished orchestral musician, Mr. Bendel is credited with performing with such groups as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and Akron Symphony, to name a few. He has also shared the stage with legends such as Christopher Parkening, Lynn Harrell, Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, and the incomparable Ray Charles. Most recently, he played in the orchestra backing the international mega-star Andrea Bochelli at PPG Arena this past April. He serves on the faculty of both Chatham University and Westminster College as Adjunct Instructor of Double Bass and Bass Guitar.
Justin P. Bendel, Bass
In high demand as both a performer and educator, Justin P. Bendel has become one of Pittsburgh’s most sought after bassists. Equally at home as an orchestral member, pit musician, soloist, and teacher, Mr. Bendel maintains a thriving, successful studio alongside his full time career as a professional bassist. As a distinguished orchestral musician, Mr. Bendel is credited with performing with such groups as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and Akron Symphony, to name a few. He has also shared the stage with legends such as Christopher Parkening, Lynn Harrell, The Moody Blues, Al Jarreau, Michael W. Smith, and the incomparable Ray Charles.
With 70+ musicals to this credit, he is no stranger to the music of Broadway. Most notably, with the CLO Cabaret, he played 412 performances of Forever Plaid, Pittsburgh’s longest running show to date. With this experience, he was requested to work with such artists as Tom Rocco, Elaine Stritch, and Billy Porter. Justin is also active as a studio musician, having recently finished a project with guitarist John Maione. He serves on the faculty of both Westminster College and Seton Hill University as Adjunct Instructor of Double Bass and Electric Bass Guitar.
