Described by Christopher Rouse as a composer that is “not afraid to take risks”, the American composer Benjamin Daniels creates music that combines visceral power with emotional sensitivity. In his work, Ben strives to create music with a sense of immediacy, where striking ideas are presented clearly and explored to their full dramatic and emotional potential.

Ben has written for a variety of ensembles and performers including the Central Michigan University percussion ensemble, the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, the Peabody Percussion Group, members of the Roosevelt University percussion ensemble, the Peabody Bass studio, and members of the West Michigan and Lansing Symphony Orchestras. Upcoming projects include a piece for Marimba, Frame drums, and electronics for the Michigan percussion duo To Hit Things and a piece for Flute and Piano for Duo Solo. Ben has recently been asked to participate in the 2012 Cortona Sessions for New Music in Cortona, Italy. While in Italy Ben will receive lessons and attend masterclasses with Ken Ueno, Gabriella Frank, Stevan Tickmayer, and Forrest Pierce.

Ben received his undergraduate degree in Music Theory and Composition from Central Michigan University where he studied with David Gillingham and Jay Batzner. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland to study as a graduate student at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. While at Peabody, Ben studied composition with Kevin Puts and Oscar Bettison and received his master’s degree from Peabody in the spring of 2012. In the fall, Ben will begin working on his Ph.D. in composition at Duke University and will be studying composition with John Supko.

Website: www.BenDanielsComposer.com