Ben gained much valuable performing experience playing in music festivals and won many open recital classes all around the country.  In 2007 he won the Computers in Personnel International Concerto Competition and this led to a performance in Cadogan Hall.  Ben played "Weber's Concertino" with the South Bank Sinfonia, Simon Over conducted. Many eminent clarinettists came to see Ben including Gervase de Peyer, David Campbell. John Davies, James Rae and Paul Harvey. Ben performs concertos regularly. He has also given many chamber music performances and solo recitals.  For information on forthcoming concerts please see the diary page.

Those who watched the BBC 2 programme Classical Star may remember Ben from the first programme.  He did not get through the competition but was shown extensively and from this he is now recognised regularly in the street all over the UK.  At the time of the audition, Ben had developed a unique style of playing which caused concern with some of the judges.   Ben had already sought advice on whether this was a problem and most players/musicians were unconcerned because the beauty of the sound was felt to be of most importance. However he was wisely warned by some that many people would simply not accept his non traditional technique. It became clear that many opportunities would be lost because of this and so Ben decided to seek help.

Ben currently studies clarinet with Karl Liester in Berlin. With the help of Ben's previous teacher Paul Harris, we contacted Karl late in 2007 to seek his advice and help. Karl was able to help Ben with his posture and, by changing his mouthpiece, with his embouchure.  Now Ben is able to play just as beautifully, but more conventionally. Ben now sees Karl on a regular basis and he has brought his playing on tremendously.  Ben is indeed lucky to have input and support from such a brilliant player and a wonderful musician.  As Ben once said, David Oistrakh is often referred to as the "King of Violinists" and Karl is the rightful "King of Clarinettists".

Ben has played in many orchestras including the National Children's Orchestra in 2005 (where he was one of the first Lever Hulme Scholars), the CBSO Youth Orchestra from 2005-7 (who gave him a seat when he was 12 years old), and he is currently principal clarinet in the National Youth Chamber Orchestra (from 2008).

Ben also has a love of conducting.  He took a one year course with Peter Stark while he was at the Royal Academy of Music Junior School and Peter then suggested that Ben should continue because he showed real promise.  He did not need persuading and he had private lessons for 18 months learning basic technique.  Ben has a consuming love of all classical music and spends many hours listening to and studying works.  He also studies other clarinet players both past and present.

Recently Ben recorded a CD called "Performances" and this is available for purchase for £4.99 from this website using paypal. This CD has already received excellent feedback from professional musicians and clarinettists.  Daniel Smith plays the piano for him and the sound recording engineer is Mike Skeet. The CD showcases the wonderful character of Ben's playing, it is this which makes him unique.

Ben can be booked for performances through this website.  He does not have an agent so bookings can be made directly. Please email cathywestlake@hotmail.co.uk or contact us using the contact form.

Ben is truly grateful to his sponsors who have made his career to date possible.  In particular he would like to thank Denis and Brenda Mason, Celia Porter, Awards for Young Musicians and the Denne Gilkes Memorial fund.  Ben needs continued support in order to be able to survive financially, he is currently trying to raise funds for a new pair of clarinets.