Bruch Violin Concerto No 1, Michael Fowler Centre Wellington, New Zealand
Conductor: Ken Young, NGC Wellington Sinfonia, April 2003

Ben was 13 when he first returned to his home town of Wellington, New Zealand for a series of concerts culminating in a performance of the Bruch Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor with the NGC Wellington Sinfonia to an audience of over 1,800. 


"Baker's Triumphant Return. The standard of playing that he offered was impressive for one so young. A talented young man and definitely one to watch in the near future." (Capital Times)
"His technique is fully up to the demands of the Bruch and he produced a lovely sound from what is clearly a quality instrument". (Dominion Post) 



Behind the Biography

How did you meet Nigel Kennedy?

I was such a fan of Nigel’s and somehow I had become quite well known in Wellington, probably because of busking on the capital’s main shopping street for charity from when I was five. Nigel Kennedy visited New Zealand on a concert tour when I was seven and the manager of the concert hall organised for us to play the Bach double together because he’d heard that I was such a big fan.

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Conductor: Robert Turrell, Kent Sinfonia, October 2004

"This was a concert of delightful musical intimacy with emotions swayed by the professionalism of the Kent Sinfonia and extraordinary young soloist, Ben Baker from The Yehudi Menuhin School."
"Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto featuring soloist Ben Baker was quite electrifying. How such a young man (age 14) can master the intricacies of Mendelssohn with such calmness, feeling and dexterity is almost incomprehensible. Ben Baker is surely a name that will become widely known in the future." (Tom Hendenne)

Celebrate Wellington Concerts
Mendelssohn violin concerto in E Minor, NGC Wellington Sinfonia
Conductor: Ken Young, Wellington, New Zealand, January 2005

Ben was 15 years old when he played the Mendelssohn Violin concerto in E minor’ in New Zealand; the performance was broadcast live on NZ National radio.

“Ben Baker’s performance was accomplished and vibrant with energy. The audience responded to his remarkable musical commitment to create a memorable performance.“ (Capital Times)

Beating the likes of Nicola Benedetti and Simon Trpčeski to the much-coveted title of Classic FM’s Next Big Thing could have gone to New Zealand-born Ben Baker’s head, but 16 year-old Ben displays an endearing bewilderment about his impressive win. Baker’s CD was nominated for the competition as one of the top 10 requested discs on the station’s Late Night Lisa show, whose listeners then voted online for their favourite artist. Baker talks with typical modesty about his respect for Nicola Benedetti, who he knows from the Menuhin School. ‘She’s worked so hard to get where she’s got and is doing the ultimate thing for a musician – bringing enjoyment to people.’ This it seems, is Baker’s main motivation. ‘It’s what I strive for. If people don’t enjoy your playing then what are you doing it for?’
Catherine Nelson – Extract from Feature Article BIG NOISE in MUSO Magazine Feb/Mar 2006

In 2004 Ben recorded his debut disc and found himself as one of my 10 young artists who had all received the best response from listeners to my show. After a month of battling, listeners voted Ben, aged 15, Classic FM’s ‘Next Big Thing’. Ben was delighted at receiving the award because it means he has connected with the listeners. ‘For the audience to feel what you are feeling, that is amazing.’ Ben is heading for a great career.’
Lisa Duncombe – Extract from Feature Article HOT PROPERTY in CLASSIC FM Magazine May 2006