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Ben Zander
Ben Zander
00:49

Ben Zander

Boston Philharmonic

Boston, MA USA

"Don't look around wondering whether you're better or worse than the next person because it's not about that-it's about what you want to do."

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Ben's work combines: Music, Writing, and Being Creative

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Day In The Life

Music Conductor

I'm passionate about classical music, and helping us all realize our untapped love for it.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    English Language and Literature, General

    University College London, England

  • Graduate Degree

    Brandeis University

  • Graduate Degree

    Harvard University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Wrote his first compositions when he was nine years old; his mother entered them into his town's annual art festival.

  • 2.

    One of the festival judges said his compositions were so bad, he should never write music again.

  • 3.

    Undeterred, his mother sent the music to renowned composer Benjamin Britten, who invited Zander to come study with him.

  • 4.

    Studied cello; at age 12, was youngest member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

  • 5.

    After taking five years off and traveling Europe as a "vagabond," returned to university, studied literature.

  • 6.

    Came to the U.S. to do graduate work at Harvard and Brandeis Universities.

  • 7.

    Conducts the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

  • 8.

    Nominated for Grammy for "Best Orchestral Performance" in 2010.