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Biography

Originally from Oxfordshire, Benedict held two conducting scholarships at Cambridge University before continuing his studies with the  heads of conducting at the Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Vienna University of Music. He studied for a Master's degree at Birmingham University where, studying under Simon Halsey, he gained the course’s highest-ever conducting mark.

Benedict is founder and artistic director of The Facade Ensemble, which specialises in 20th-century chamber music. They are currently Ensemble-in-Residence at The Courtauld Institute, and enjoying a reputation for 'razor-sharp' (The Arts Desk), 'first-rate' (MusicOMH), and 'stunning' (Robert Hugill) performances.

Benedict follows in the footsteps of Holst and Tippett in holding the post of Lecturer & Choir Tutor at Morley College. He conducts the West Kent Youth Orchestra, and is musical director of Ipswich Chamber Choir, Bath Bach Choir, Bury Bach Choir, and Mid Norfolk Singers. His current choirs attest to his ‘knowledge, style, inspiration, enthusiasm and love of music’, as well as his sense of fun.

 

He has worked with the Berlin Sinfonietta, assisted with the BBC Concert Orchestra and conducted the Southbank Sinfonia and British Youth Opera. He is in demand as a guest conductor for choirs, orchestras, and opera companies around the UK.

Benedict has performed through Europe and the US (from The Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall), recorded for several labels, for BBC and NBC Television and the BFI, and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 & 4.

As well as performing, Benedict has composed and arranged over a hundred pieces of music for choirs and instrumental ensembles. His most recent sound installation celebrating Calvino's centenary year had a world tour including residencies in Liverpool, California, the Bermondsey Project Space (London), and the Arte Borgo Gallery (Rome).

Current Status

Conductor and Artistic Director: The Facade Ensemble

Choral Conducting & Choir Tutor / Lecturer: Morley College

Conductor: West Kent County Youth Orchestra

Musical Director: Bath Bach Choir

Conductor: Ipswich Chamber Choir

Musical Director: Bury Bach Choir

Music Director: Mid Norfolk Singers

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"Benedict ... is a young conductor of real potential ... with
great self-awareness and commitment ... I have come to admire Ben for his considerable musical imagination, as well as an interest and
aptitude in a wide range of repertoire. His conducting is always musically engaging and
interesting."

Toby Purser
ENO Mackerras Conducting Fellow 2016-18
Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Orion Orchestra

© 2017–2024 Benedict Collins Rice
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