Biography

Benjamin HW Humphries 

Videographer | Event Production

Organist and Choirmaster | Composer | Viola 

Since his early years as cathedral chorister in Liverpool Cathedral under the direction of Prof. Ian Tracy, Ben has been involved in many forms of music-making, ranging from the Anglican choral tradition through to orchestral film scoring. 

Ben studied viola at the Royal Northern College of Music Junior School, studying under John Adams (The Hallé), piano with Ian Buckle (RLPO and the John Wilson Orchestra) and composition with Andrew Keeling (Faber). During this time, Ben also continued his links with church music, learning organ under the tuition of Ian Wells (Liverpool Cathedral). 

Following undergraduate studies in music at the University of Bristol, Ben completed a PGCE and has since taught music across Bristol secondary schools, including leading a thriving music department as Head of Music at Marlwood School, Alveston. Alongside his teaching career, Ben successfully completed a Masters degree in composition for film and TV, subsequently working with a number of film and tv production companies, with notable successes in the USA and Europe. This is an area which he is keen to explore further over future years. 

In recent years, Ben has been very busy as organist with the Badminton Benefice, gaining a reputation as a professional and stirring musician, leading services with a strong sense of direction. Since joining the benefice in 2013, he has played for a number of high profile ceremonies, including the funeral of the late Duke of Beaufort and wedding ceremony of the current Duke. Ben took over the leadership of Hawkesbury Choir in 2019, a role which he has enjoyed thoroughly. The small ensemble made up of local residents rehearses weekly and performs at all major feast days in addition to special services throughout the year. Since March 2020, he has produced broadcast services from the parishes, combining the ancient liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer with local videography and early church music, recorded at the private homes of choir members during the pandemic. This exciting venture has seen him quickly become sought after as videographer for a variety of projects. Ben also enjoys working with young musicians, teaching piano, violin and music production in a number of primary and secondary schools across the region.