BIOGRAPHY
"somehow the force of a crescendo and the sparkle of articulation reach out and touch us through his playing"
Ben Lahring has been praised for his “lovely” tone (Liona Boyd, guitarist), his compelling “sense of narrative, of story-telling” (Fanfare Magazine), and his “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).
Lahring’s formative years were spent in tropical Darwin, Australia. He began his classical guitar training with Stephan Bulmer at Charles Darwin University, from which he graduated with a VET Certificate III in Music while still in high school. Lahring earned his Bachelor of Music from Wesley Institute in Sydney, Australia, studying guitar with Philip Moran and composition with Dr. Heva Chan. His undergraduate studies also encompassed singing and choral conducting. During this time, Ben maintained a weekly performance residency at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel.
After his undergraduate studies Lahring moved to New York City, where he took lessons with Ben Verdery and recorded his debut album, My Stage – praised for being “fun and enthusiastic” and displaying “a natural feel for the music” (Bradford Werner, This is Classical Guitar).
"Lahring weaves textures rich in color ... he is in command of his fingerboard at all times"
Lahring later moved to Alberta, Canada and spent the next decade working in church music. As Music Director and Worship Pastor, he regularly led church services and choir rehearsals. During this period, he studied singing with John Tessier at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and choral conducting with Humberto Vargas in Calgary. Lahring pursued his Master of Music as a scholarship student at the University of Calgary, studying performance with early music specialist Dr. Ralph Maier, and composition with Dr. Allan Bell. Lahring also worked as a teaching assistant for the University choir and undergraduate musicianship courses, and as a research assistant for Dr. Laurie Radford.
Lahring has benefited from instruction at the Darwin International Guitar Festival, Le Domaine Forget de Charlevoix, and GuitarFest West. Additional lessons with Patrick Roux and Iliana Matos, as well as masterclasses and workshops with Jason Vieaux, Jerome Ducharme, Judicael Perroy, and Rene Izquierdo, amongst others, have also been influential in the development of his playing.
His second album, Driftwood, has been described as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Brian Miller, Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals to have come my way in some time, if ever” (Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine).
"Lahring performs with impeccable gusto… [his] performance is of consummate expertise and confidence"
"Your interpretation of my Lullaby For My Love is absolutely beautiful. Your tremolo is so even and your tone lovely. Congratulations on your new album!"
- Liona Boyd, Composer & Guitarist
"Ben Lahring has a gift of playing the intention behind the music: somehow the force of a crescendo and the sparkle of articulation reach out and touch us through his playing."
- William Beauvais, Composer & Guitarist
“Lahring performs with impeccable gusto… Lahring’s sense of narrative, of story-telling, is compelling... Lahring’s performance is of consummate expertise and confidence… one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals to have come my way in some time, if ever.”
- Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine
“Australian ... Ben Lahring is a fine example of the quality of classical guitar activity in that part of the world.”
- Jim McCutcheon, American Record Guide
"Calgary-based classical guitarist Ben Lahring has released his second album, a work of originality and shimmering beauty. Highly recommended."
- Brian Miller, Vivascene
"On this latest recording of music for classical guitar, Canada-based Ben Lahring offers some sweet morsels of his tone and touch ... Lahring weaves textures rich in color ... he is in command of his fingerboard at all times ... a fine collection of delightful listening."
- Kirk Albrecht, Minor 7th
“[Driftwood] showcases his talent as both performer and composer… with sensitive performances highlighting the lyrical nature of the instrument. The self-composed title track is particularly expressive.”
- SP, Lark Reviews
“clean playing with lovely tone and colour”
- David Olds, TheWholeNote
"His performance of the David Russell arrangements are fun and enthusiastic ... The latin works also sound right up Lahring’s alley as he has a natural feel for the music and presents them honestly and playfully ... Lahring pulls off a sincere performance nicely ... He also has the speed and chops to pull off the works ... his Cavatina was a beauty!"
- Bradford Werner, This is Classical Guitar