Benjamin Bates

Benjamin Bates is an Australian composer and double bass performer, whose musical life began in 1988 as a folk and jazz guitarist before shifting to classical study and completing a Bachelor of Music at Northern Territory University. During his degree he began composing, explored diverse repertoire and took up the double bass, becoming principal bass of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra in 1994.

Ben travelled widely across Australia, performing with orchestras from Darwin to Hobart, later completing a graduate certificate in Orchestral Studies. Since settling in Melbourne in 2010, he has performed regularly with the Morning Peninsula Chamber Orchestra, where he also serves as a committee member, as well as performing with multiple other orchestras.

Alongside an active performance schedule, Ben has composed 3 symphonies, and continues to write new works. He is currently studying a Master of Teaching, balancing musical practice with ongoing professional learning.

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