Benjamin Baker
Violin
“Baker played with dramatic flair, sophisticated charm, and wit.”
– THE STRAD
Since winning 1st Prize at the 2016 Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York and 3rd Prize at the Michael Hill Competition in New Zealand in 2017 Benjamin has established a strong international presence.
Described by the New York Times as bringing ‘virtuosity, refinement and youthful exuberance’ to his debut at Merkin Concert Hall he is much sought after as soloist and chamber musician.
Recent highlights include regular appearances at Wigmore Hall (live-streamed and on BBC Radio 3), his debut with Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the East Neuk Festival and with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in NZ, alongside solo recordings with the BBC Concert and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras.
He recorded live concerts commissioned for release online by the Vancouver Recital Society and Banquo de la Republica in Colombia and in 2021, Delphian Records released his album“1942” with pianist Daniel Lebhardt to critical acclaim. His recording “The Last Rose of Summer” on Champs Hill Records was featured on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM, and reached #22 on the charts the first week of release.
The opening of the 2021/22 season saw the launch of his festival in Queenstown, New Zealand – At the World’s Edge and solo appearances with the Auckland Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras.
By popular demand, Benjamin has returned to New Zealand to play concerts and appear on radio and television broadcasts. For his devotion to charities for children, he is grateful to be an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson. An ambassador for London Music Masters, he created and led a special project for young violinists with dancer Cheryl McChesney, which explored the connection between music and movement.
Benjamin plays on a Giovanni Grancino from 1694 on generous loan from a charitable trust.
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YCA represents violinist Benjamin Baker for worldwide engagements. Please contact us for more information.