About the Composer
Benjamin R. Lloyd
Benjamin Lloyd is a classical composer and violinist whose artistic life has been shaped by decades of performance at the highest professional level. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music near Cleveland, Ohio, he has been a member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra since 1980.
Born in Steubenville, Ohio, Benjamin began studying the violin at the age of seven through the public school system before continuing privately under Jean Delphia. His early talent quickly became evident, and during high school he earned numerous accolades, including appointment as concertmaster of the All Ohio Orchestra.
He continued his musical studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he studied violin with Carol Sindell, a student of Joseph Gingold and Jascha Heifetz, and with Ora Shiran, who was associated with Ivan Galamian and Itzhak Perlman. Alongside his violin studies, Benjamin expanded his musicianship through summer conducting work and the study of composition.
His professional path led through appointments with the US Army Strings at the White House and with orchestras in Arkansas, Memphis, Birmingham, and finally Nashville, where he has played since 1980.
Throughout his years in Nashville, Benjamin has performed under many of the most revered conductors of his generation. Immersed in the core orchestral repertoire over decades, he developed a profound understanding of orchestration, structure, and the expressive language of the great composers. These experiences continue to shape his compositional voice.
A close artistic connection with Shawn Phillips, especially in the orchestration of the ballet Events in the Life of a Prince, brought him into contact with Paul Buckmaster. Both musicians had a significant influence on Benjamin’s development as a composer.
Benjamin has since composed a substantial body of work, including commissioned pieces, chamber music, concert works, and symphonies. His full orchestra Symphony No. 1, Hope was completed in 2012, Symphony No. 2, Life in 2018, and he is currently at work on his third symphony. His Pre-Concert Premieres were performed by members of the Nashville Symphony during the 2013/14 season at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Other works have been premiered in Europe, the United States, and South Africa.
Today, Benjamin Lloyd is based in Austria and available worldwide for performances, commissions, tuition, and public speaking.