Ben Creighton Griffiths is a touring Jazz and Classical musician based in South Wales, UK. He made his International debut at the 2004 1er Concours International de Harpe in Nantes, France where, aged 7, he came second in the Under 18 division.
In 2006 he won the Under 13 Division of the Wales International Harp Festival before going on to win the 2008 Junior Lily Laskine competition in Paris, winning a concert harp in the process. Other competitions include runner up in the 2009 Texaco Young Musician of Wales, second place in the Elias Parish Alvars Competition 2008, and multiple 1st prizes throughout age categories at the Urdd Eisteddfod of Wales.
Ben’s international engagements have taken him across the globe to countries including, but not limited to, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Hungary, Croatia, France, Hong Kong.
Benjamin has also performed at four World Harp Congress’ (Amsterdam – 2008, Vancouver – 2011, Hong Kong – 2017, Cardiff – 2022) alongside celebrated international harpists such as Andres & Artemy Izmaylov and Catrin Finch.
Closer to home Ben has performed as a soloist at International and local festivals across Wales, Scotland and England.
As an Orchestral Musician Ben is the Principal Harp of Orchestra De Cymru and the former Orchestra West.
He is in demand with many orchestras and choirs across the country and can be seen regularly locally with Swindon Symphony, Frome Symphony, Wessex Concert and Trowbridge Symphony orchestras.
Whilst continuing his classical work, Ben is now in increasing demand for his jazz performances, working as both a soloist and with bands, singers, and other artists. His jazz repertoire covers all genres, including Swing, Latin, Funk, Electronic and Fusion, Gypsy, and more. He works as both an acoustic artist and also makes extensive use of electronics. He has also been teaching a series of very successful ‘Introduction to Improvisation’ workshops as both one-off events and at Harp Festivals worldwide, aiming to encourage harpists of all ages and abilities into the world of jazz.
Ben works extensively with Avignon born and New York based gypsy jazz violinist Adrien Chevalier as part of their group – The Transatlantic Hot Club.
He is also a founding member of Electro-Acoustic fusion group ‘Chube’ alongside percussionist Jon Bradford-Jones and bassist Ashley John Long.
Ben also composes, arranges and records music for the harp, releasing several Jazz harp CDs
Ben has worked with many charities over his career. He is an Official Ambassador for City Hospice (formerly George Thomas Hospice Care), The British Heart Foundation Cymru, and St. John Cymru Wales.
In the corporate market Ben has performed at numerous events, dinners, receptions, and presentations for companies and organisations across the world. He also has a new weekly residency at the Maison de Boeuf French Restaurant in Cardiff.
More detail on Ben’s biography can be found on his website:-http://www.bjcg.co.uk/