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"Lahring weaves textures rich in color ... he is in command of his fingerboard at all times"
- Minor7th.com
From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating composer and performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd) and a “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).
Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations, with engagements ranging from a year-long solo-guitar performance residency in Sydney, Australia, to playing in the orchestra pits of musical theater productions and touring with choirs, rock bands and soul singers. He was a regular fixture in the New York City guitar scene for several years, where he released his first album of solo guitar music, praised for being “fun and enthusiastic” and displaying “a natural feel for the music” (This is Classical Guitar).
Lahring’s latest album of solo guitar music, Driftwood, has been reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). Lahring’s work has been supported by the City of Calgary and his solo concerts always include meaningful original compositions in addition to musical gems from Australia, Canada and other places he’s lived and traveled. His own compositions are consistently popular with audiences and have been receiving increased attention from performers, with recent Canadian premieres of his works for guitar orchestra, guitar quartet, solo guitar, solo ukulele, and solo piano.
Lahring completed his graduate studies as a scholarship student at the University of Calgary, studying guitar performance with early music specialist Dr. Ralph Maier, and composition with Dr. Allan Bell. Additional lessons with Philip Moran, Ben Verdery, Patrick Roux and Iliana Matos, as well as masterclasses and workshops with Jason Vieaux, Jerome Ducharme, Judicael Perroy, and Rene Izquierdo, amongst others, have also been influential in the development of his playing. Ever the musical explorer, he has also received extensive formal training in singing and choral conducting and spent several years as a choir director.
Ben Lahring is an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre and an Adjudicator with the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners. He teaches guitar at Ambrose University and at the Mount Royal University Conservatory. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary.
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BIO
VIDEOS
To see more videos, subscribe to Ben Lahring's YouTube channel:
REVIEWS
"Your interpretation of my Lullaby For My Love is absolutely beautiful. Your tremolo is so even and your tone lovely. Congratulations on your new album!"
- Liona Boyd, Composer & Guitarist
"Ben Lahring has a gift of playing the intention behind the music: somehow the force of a crescendo and the sparkle of articulation reach out and touch us through his playing."
- William Beauvais, Composer & Guitarist
“Lahring performs with impeccable gusto… Lahring’s sense of narrative, of story-telling, is compelling... Lahring’s performance is of consummate expertise and confidence… one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals to have come my way in some time, if ever.”
- Colin Clarke, Fanfare Magazine
“Australian ... Ben Lahring is a fine example of the quality of classical guitar activity in that part of the world.”
- Jim McCutcheon, American Record Guide
"Calgary-based classical guitarist Ben Lahring has released his second album, a work of originality and shimmering beauty. Highly recommended."
- Brian Miller, Vivascene
"On this latest recording of music for classical guitar, Canada-based Ben Lahring offers some sweet morsels of his tone and touch ... Lahring weaves textures rich in color ... he is in command of his fingerboard at all times ... a fine collection of delightful listening."
- Kirk Albrecht, Minor 7th
“[Driftwood] showcases his talent as both performer and composer… with sensitive performances highlighting the lyrical nature of the instrument. The self-composed title track is particularly expressive.”
- SP, Lark Reviews
“clean playing with lovely tone and colour”
- David Olds, TheWholeNote
"Best Cavatina Ever."
- Michael Chapdelaine, Composer & Guitarist
"His performance of the David Russell arrangements are fun and enthusiastic ... The latin works also sound right up Lahring’s alley as he has a natural feel for the music and presents them honestly and playfully ... Lahring pulls off a sincere performance nicely ... He also has the speed and chops to pull off the works ... his Cavatina was a beauty!"
- Bradford Werner, This is Classical Guitar
CONTACT
Email: ben@benlahring.com
Concerts & Performances
CALENDAR
2026
June 07
2025
Aug 23
2024
Dec 19
Dec 13
Nov 08
Oct 04
Sept 28
Sept 22
Sept 15
Aug 07
Apr 08
Mar 09
Mar 08
Jan 19
Concert
Wedding
Wedding
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Concert
Event
Wedding
Wedding
Event
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Concert
Concert
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Chemainus, BC
Calgary, AB
Banff, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Whitefish, MT
Canmore, AB
Canmore, AB
Millarville, AB
Calgary, AB
Calgary, AB
Dawson Creek, BC
Grande Prairie, AB
Calgary, AB