Benjamin Fingland
With performances capturing “spiritedness and humor”, “unflagging precision and energy” (The New York Times) and playing described as “something magical” (The Boston Globe), Benjamin Fingland interprets many styles of music on a variety of clarinets. An avid proponent of new music, he has premiered numerous works in recital at such New York City institutions as Merkin Concert Hall and the Museum of Modern Art, and internationally at Japan’s Kyoto Music Festival and festivals in the Ukraine, Russia and South America. In addition to being a founding member of counter)induction, he plays frequently with the landmark contemporary music group Continuum, and has also performed with Ensemble 21, The Locrian Chamber Players, the Argento Chamber Ensemble, the American Modern Ensemble and Sequitur. He has collaborated, recorded, and toured with a wide variety of contemporary artists – ranging in scope from Pierre Boulez and the Ensemble Intercontemporain to jazz legend Ornette Coleman and pop icon Sir Elton John. Mr. Fingland is a former principal clarinetist of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. He is also a founding member of Piaclava – a touring clarinet, viola, and piano trio dedicated to educational outreach. He holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School.