In association with Clare Jazz, Clare College, University of Cambridge
with generous support from Camac Harps France.
FREE although places are limited and require advance reservations.
For his workshop Ben will be drawing on his experience as both a classical and jazz musician - offering harpists to come and perform pieces from either genres in a relaxed atmosphere. This will be followed by an informal talk about his progression from classical to jazz music and then a whole class "Introduction to Improvisation" jam session!
Whilst continuing his classical work, Ben is now in increasing demand for his jazz performances, working as both a soloist and with bands, singers, and other artists. His jazz repertoire covers all genres, including Swing, Latin, Funk, Electronic and Fusion, Gypsy, and more. For the last two years he has been teaching a series of very successful 'Introduction to Improvisation' workshops as both one off events and at Harp Festivals worldwide, aiming to encourage harpists of all ages and abilities into the world of jazz.
Benjamin made his international debut in 2004 when as a 7 year old he came second in the Under 18 class of the 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France. In 2006 he won the Under 13 solo harp at the Wales International Harp Festival and in 2008 (11 years old) won the Under 16 class at Concours de harpe Lily Laskine, in Paris. His prize was a Salvi Concert Harp.
Since then he has been earning himself an enviable international reputation performing in Brazil (2010, 2011, 2012), Canada (2011), The Caribbean (2013), Croatia (2013), The Czech Republic (2014), France (2008, 2010), Hungary (2010), Italy (2009), Netherlands (2008, 2011, 2013) & Spain (2010, 2013, 2016).
Closer to home Ben has performed as a soloist at The Edinburgh International Harp Festival, Wales International Harp Festival, The Summer Harp Festival, Monmouth Festival, Ludlow Festival, Trinity Harp Festival, The Derbyshire Harp Festival, The Cardiff Camac Harp Weekend, The East Anglia Harp Festival, Harp on Wight, Glasbury Arts Harp Summer School and The Vale Jazz Festival.
Benjamin is the Principal Harp of Concert Orchestra de Cymru and Orchestra West and he has performed as a concerto soloist with The Welsh Sinfonia, Welsh Concert Orchestra, Orchestra West, Llandenny Strings, Cardiff Philharmonic, Chandos Symphony Orchestra, les Alizés and the orchestra of Le Garde Républicaine. He has also performed with numerous choirs as both a soloist and accompanist.
Benjamin has worked with many of charities over his career. In Particular he is an Official Ambassador for George Thomas Hospice Care, The British Heart Foundation Cymru and St. John Cymru Wales. On 1st March 2010 he performed at Clarence House for HRH the Prince of Wales at a reception for George Thomas.