A Passion for Music

A native of Steubenville, Ohio, Benjamin started the violin at the age of 7 in the public school system but developed his early talent privately under the tutelage of Jean Delphia. Many accolades in High School, including being appointed concertmaster of the 'All Ohio Orchestra' led him to choose to develop his talent further.

At Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music near Cleveland, Ohio, Benjamin studied with Carol Sindell, the prodigy of Joseph Gingold and twice a student of Jasha Heifetz. Ben also studied with Ora Shiran, an assistant to Ivan Galamian and Itzhak Pearlman at the time of his study. He rounded out his college career with summer conducting jobs and the study of composition. The audition trail led him to an appointment with the US Army Strings at the White House and symphony orchestras in Arkansas, Memphis, Birmingham and finally Nashville, where he has played since 1980.

The Art of Composition

In his time at Nashville he has played under most of the great conductors of this generation, gleaning from all the idiosyncrasies that made them great. Covering the standard repertoire several times and studying the techniques of the great composers inspired his style and the dynamics of his orchestration. A close association with Shawn Philips in the orchestration of the ballet "Events in the Life of a Prince" brought him into contact Paul Buckmaster, both of whom have influenced his composition greatly.

Benjamin has since composed many works including several commissions and finished his full orchestra Symphony #1 'Hope' in 2012, Symphony #2 'Life' in 2018 and is currently working on his third. His series of Pre-Concert Premieres were performed during the 2013/14 season at the Schermerhorn Symphony Centre, other compositions have been premiered in Europe, USA and South Africa.