Ben’s help for hospice

The hospice cared for his grandmother until her death in 1995; ever since 1996, Ben has organised a Chichester Festivities fund-raiser in her memory.

“I think we must have raised about ten grand by now,” says Ben who will be performing with Amyn Merchant violin, Julia Knight viola and Viv McLean piano in the Vicars’ Hall on Sunday, July 10 at 8pm.

The Minerva Ensemble’s programme will be Schubert String Trio in Bb major D471; Chopin Prelude in C sharp minor Op. 45; Nocturne in F sharp Op. 15 No. 2; Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor K478; Fauré Piano Quartet in C minor Op.15 - in association with the Boxgrove Support Group of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

“The Minerva Ensemble is a vehicle for me and my friends to play chamber music. The string players all play in orchestras most of the time. It’s nice to be able to something like this and to come and play in Chichester.”

With two young children, Ben is juggling fatherhood and professional career - which means avoiding touring.

“My other half is a member of a rather successful string quartet, so it is rather difficult. We need a lot of help from the family!

“I am a member of the London Mozart Players. I was made a member in December. Most of my work is with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra and also with English National Opera. They are all good non-touring organisations. It doesn’t make sense for me to be jet-setting anymore!”