About
Classical Baritone | Singing Teacher | Conductor
My work is an invitation to the musical tradition:
For audiences hearing the great works of history when singing as a soloist, as a conductor or workshop leader, encouraging others to experience the satisfaction and confidence derived from craftsmanship, or as a singing teacher, helping people unlock their gift.
For much of my life, singing felt like a closed door to me. In school and even university, I lacked the tools to access music.
I was sixteen the first time I sang in front of an audience; before this, I lacked the confidence, and would only sing if I knew no one could hear. Deep down, I wanted to sing, always holding the belief that one day it would be possible.
I learned to read music as an adult, and worked for over a decade on understanding singing and communicating with audiences - every act of practise assumes a future listener.
I’ve now opened that door: working full-time as an operatic and concert soloist, a conductor of four ensembles, and as a singing teacher.
A full professional biography is available upon request.
Classical Baritone
Operatic and concert soloist, performing in France, Scotland, England, and Wales. With adventures ranging from appearances on Film & Television, leading a range of ensembles as Musical Director, and inviting others to the singing tradition through workshops, teaching, and entertaining.
Operatic appearances include Schaunard in la Boheme for his debut in France under the musical direction of Stephanie Gurga, Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana (Ryton Choral), Prince Yamadori and The Bonze in Madame Butterfly, Barone, Doctor Grenville, and Marchese in la Traviata, (North Wales Opera Studio and Clyde Opera), Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro and Giuseppe in The Gondoliers (York Opera), and Guglielmo in Cosi fan Tutte, conducted by Davide Levi. Other appearances include Don Alhambra in The Gondoliers at Harrogate International Festival, ‘Black Bob’ and Tom in Britten’s The Little Sweep (Durham Chorister School), and Barabashkin in Shostakovich’s Cheryomushki.
Soloist concert highlights include Handel’s Messiah (Newcastle Choral), Bach’s St John Passion conducted by Jérôme Kuhn, Faure’s Requiem, Bach Magnificat (Bury Bach Choir), Brahm’s Requiem (Yarm Choral), Durufle’s Requiem (Cleveland Philharmonic Choir), Elgar’s Great is the Lord at Durham Cathedral, and Mozart’s Requiem.
Chorus work includes Opera North’s Silent Night by Kevin Puts, Gounod’s Faust and Rossini’s Le Comte Ory with Dorset Opera, and Pirates of Penzance with Rocket Opera.
Ben has debuted roles in several world premiers, including ‘Noakes’ in Thomas Dunhill’s Something in the City – unperformed in 1939 due to the outbreak of war, and Symphony for the Mothers and Sons at Wakefield Cathedral marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. In 2023, he filmed and created the role of Theseus in Ciphers, a new opera by Greg Arrowsmith and Bernadine Corrigan.
Conductor
I am the musical director of four wide-ranging ensembles: Richmondshire Choral Society, Opera Nova, The Service Children’s Community Choir (SCCC), and The Military Wives, Associates, Girlfriends and Servicewomen (WAGS).
I work across a wide range of ages, experiences, and genres. In 2024, the WAGS and the SCCC performed at the Festival of Remembrance Concerts at Durham Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall, respectively.
In 2025, I conducted Rutter’s criminally underrated Wind in the Willows with Opera Nova in a special, devised performance involving 160 children from the Lingfield Trust.
Notable choral works conducted include: Faure’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation, and Handel’s Messiah. 2025/26 plans include Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Brahms’s Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, and Haydn’s Nelson Mass.
You can find out about workshops here.
