Benedict Hames

Photo: Astrid Ackermann

England born Australian Violist Benedict Hames initially studied violin with Chairman Gadd, switching to viola where he continued his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under Ester Van Stralen. He completed his Diploma of Music in 1998.

In 1995 after 10 months of playing viola, Hames successfully auditioned for a tutti position in the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra.

In 1997 after a successful audition he became Associate Principal Viola and finally, in 2000, Acting Principal Viola.

In 2004 he successfully auditioned for the position of Associate Principal Viola in Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks under Mariss Jansons, and from the years 2012 to 2016 he was acting Principal Viola. In this position he played under such renowned conductors as Daniel Harding, Riccardo Muti, Andrew Nelsons and Simon Rattle.

Hames has been invited to play as Principal Solo Viola in numerous orchestras , BR Kammerorchester, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Staatsoper Hamburg and Munich, and Antwerp Symphony Orchestra to name a few.

As a passionate Chamber musician, Hames has played with such esteemed artists as YoYo Ma, Gil Shaham, Lisa Batiashvili, Klaus Mäkelä , Baiba Skride, and Pinkas Zukerman.

As a regular Contemporary Music performer Hames has played Griseys, ”Les Espaces Acoustiques” as Soloist with the Symphonieorchetrer des Bayerischen Rundfunks.