BEN LAHRING
Classical Guitarist
From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd) and a “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).
Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations, with engagements ranging from a year-long solo-guitar performance residency in Sydney, Australia, to touring with choirs, rock bands and soul singers. He was a regular fixture in the New York City guitar scene for several years, where he released his first album of solo guitar music, praised for displaying “a natural feel for the music” (This is Classical Guitar).
Lahring’s latest album, Driftwood, has been reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). He completed his graduate studies as a scholarship student at the University of Calgary and his solo concerts always include meaningful original compositions in addition to musical gems from Australia, Canada and other places he’s lived and traveled.
ARBORETUM:
Enjoy unforgettable musical storytelling as acclaimed guitarist Ben Lahring transports audiences across continents with a program of evocative melodies from places he's lived. The concert opens with two works by Sydney-based Australian composers, the fiery "Black Opal Prelude" by Richard Charlton, and the nostalgia-driven "Memories of Spain" by Philip Moran. These are followed by the deeply meaningful "Searching for a Chorale", by eminent New York City composer Seymour Bernstein, inspired by his favourite Bach chorale. From Canada, Patrick Roux's dizzying "Vals Vertigo” paves the way for Lahring's own “Arboretum”, a genre-defying blend of creativity and emotion inspired by his time in the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. This captivating program blends delicate expressiveness with awe-inspiring skill, resulting in an engaging and unique performance that resonates with all audiences.