Benjamin Harris

Biography

Benjamin Samuel Harris began his musical studies at the age of 16 at the “Instituto superior de Música del Estado de Veracruz” (ISMEV) in Xalapa Veracruz Mexico. He later continued his studies at The Juilliard School with Professor Eugene Levinson where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music as a recipient of the Bidi Sayao and Miriam Klein scholarships. He then continued his studies receiving a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music under the tutelage of Professor Scott Dixon and Professor Derek Zadinsky as a recipient of the Sphinx scholarship. He has participated in masterclasses with renowned double bassists such as Klaus Trumpf, Roman Patkolo, Daxun Zhang, Thomas Martin, Klaus Stoll, Timothy Cobb, Jeff Bradetich, Donald Palma, Scott Pingel, Albert Lazlo, John Schaefer, Nicholas Walker, and Andy Raciti. 
 

In February of 2008, at 19 years of age, he gave his debut as a soloist with the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra as a result of winning 1st place in the junior division of the previous year’s concerto competition. In February of 2009, Benjamin wins 2nd place in the 12th annual Sphinx Competition Senior Division in Detroit Michigan. In 2012, he participated in the Johan Mathias Sperger International Solo Double Bass Competition becoming one of 10 semifinalists out of 43 competitors from 21 countries. Years later, In October of 2020, he receives an Honorary Diploma from the Double Bass division of the Kharkiv Assemblies International Music Competition in the Ukraine. He has appeared as a soloist with various orchestras and ensembles as well as given solo recitals across the United States and Mexico. Benjamin has performed in some of the most prestigious venues worldwide such as Avery Fisher Hall, Peter J. Sharp Theater, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Harris Theater, Ordway Center, The New World Center, Sala Netzahualcoyotl, Palacio de Bellas Artes, among others. He has also participated in various educational outreach activities for the Sphinx Organization in Universities and music programs throughout the United States. 

Benjamin has performed as principal double bass of The Juilliard Orchestra, CIM Orchestra, Youth Orchestra of the Americas and Sphinx Virtuosi. He has also been a section member of Mexico’s Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional (OSN), Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería (OSM), and is currently a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Xalapa (OSX).