MUSIC DIRECTOR
Benedict Collins Rice
Known for his 'passionate, insightful, and inspiring conducting', Benedict has performed throughout Europe and America (from The Royal Albert Hall to Carnegie Hall); recorded for several record labels, for BBC and NBC Television, the BFI, and broadcast live on Radio 3.
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Originally from Oxfordshire, he held two conducting scholarships whilst at Cambridge University before continuing his studies with the heads of conducting at the Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, the Vienna University of Music, and Birmingham University - where, studying under Simon Halsey, he gained the course's highest ever conducting mark.
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Benedict is founder and artistic director of The Facade Ensemble - a dynamic collective of young professionals specialising in 20th century chamber music whose performances are noted for their 'liberal seasoning of vivacity and wit'.
Benedict follows in the footsteps of Holst and Tippett in holding the post of Lecturer & Choir Tutor at Morley College. He conducts the West Kent County Youth Orchestra, Ipswich Chamber Choir, Moving Chamber Choir, Stowmarket Chorale and is in demand as a guest conductor. Recent highlights include working with the Berlin Sinfonietta, assisting with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and conducting the Southbank Sinfonia and British Youth Opera directed by Keith Warner.
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Benedict also works with several opera companies including Rose Opera and All Aboard Opera in projects ranging from large-scale Wagner productions to a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure version of Dido.
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The Mid Norfolk Singers welcomed Benedict as their new Music Director from September 2022.