George Benjamin is a contemporary British composer whose music has captivated audiences and critics worldwide with its meticulous craft and deeply expressive nature. Born on January 31, 1960, in London, Benjamin showed exceptional talent at an early age. He became the youngest student ever to attend the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied under Olivier Messiaen, a towering figure in 20th-century music, and later continued his education at King's College, Cambridge. His flair for orchestration and his attention to the subtlest details of sound have made him one of the most original and important voices in modern classical music.

Benjamin's oeuvre, while not extensive, is rich with works that have made a profound impact on contemporary classical repertoire. This is evidenced by his critically acclaimed opera, "Written on Skin," which premiered in 2012 and has since become one of the most performed operas of the 21st century. His other compositions, such as "George Benjamin: Sudden Time" and "Benjamin: Palimpsests," reveal his intricate use of musical textures and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. Deeply invested in both the compositional and educational aspects of music, Benjamin has also contributed to the next generation of musicians through his teaching at King's College London. His releases, such as "Musica viva, Vol. 22: Ligeti, Murail & Benjamin," show his appreciation for and engagement with the works of his contemporaries, highlighting his place within a vibrant community of modern composers.

Genres

21st Century Classical

British Contemporary Classical

Contemporary Classical

Related Artists

Thomas Adès

György Ligeti

Kaija Saariaho

Pierre Boulez

Max Richter

Oliver Knussen

Philip Glass

Michael Nyman

John Adams

Mark-Anthony Turnage

Elliott Carter

Hans Abrahamsen

Latest Release

George Benjamin: Shadowlines, 6 Canonic Preludes for Piano: V. Very Freely - Faster but Calm - Spacious and Solemn

George Benjamin•

Benjamin Hochman

Single - Released October 4, 2024