Nov. 15, 2021

Ben is a fourth year Voice Performance student in the studio of Leslie Fagan. He is active in Guelph and the KW Region as a singer, music director, pianist, and teacher. Ben was honoured to be selected as one of the winners of the Laurier Concerto Competition in 2020 and will be performing “Rolling in foaming billows” from Haydn’s Creation later this school year. He also received first place at OMFA Senior Music Theatre Provincials in 2018 and has performed as the baritone soloist in Handel’s Messiah. Some of his favourite music direction credits include The Last Five Years (DTP), Into the Woods (CCP), and 13 the Musical (GLT). Ben frequently works as a guest conductor and accompanist of local choirs and has plans to conduct the premiere of Marcus Klassen’s Requiem for the Living in the spring with an all-new choral ensemble. Ben’s scholarly pursuits include an in-depth investigation of mysticism and pilgrimage and their connection to art song; his academic work was highly commended at the Global Undergraduate Awards in 2021. Ben is very grateful to Dr. Omelchenko and the players for welcoming him into the orchestra this year!