Ben Ellis is a classical guitarist, community arts organizer, and educator. He programs recitals that explore the unexpected corners of guitar repertoire. Programing and pairing works from the eighteenth to the twenty-first century, Ellis finds unexpected threads that connect contrasting works. His programs have include paired transcriptions of violin music by Eugéne Ysaÿe and J.S. Bach as well as the standard “When You Wish Upon A Star” arranged by Chet Atkins paired with an homage to Walt Disney by contemporary composer Darragh O’Neill. Recent performances include recitals for the Skaneateles Library Concert Series, the Classical Guitar Society of Upstate NY, the St. Eustace Music Series in Lake Placid, NY, WCNY Performance Space in Syracuse, NY, The Orangeburg Fine Arts Center in Orangeburg, SC, and the Tenri Cultural Institute in NYC. 

 

Determined to reach new audiences, Ellis also curates special programs that pair music with art, wine, dance, and historical events. He has presented these custom designed events at venues such as the The Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY, Shelter Studios in NYC, and the historic Barnes Mansion in Syracuse, NY. Most recently, Ellis presented arrangements of rock and roll songs for the classical guitar at The Principle Art Gallery in Charleston, SC. The musical selections highlighted the galleries exhibit of behind the scenes photos of notorious rock musicians. 

 

At the core of Ellis’ music making are the connections he forges with his fellow artists and students. One can almost always find Ellis in the middle of a project. Whether it be touring with Lejano Duo partner, violinist Miguel Calleja, or conspiring with composer Chris Cresswell on a new piece for guitar and electronics: Ellis’ many and wide-ranging creations demonstrate both his versatility and the versatility of the classical guitar. As a freelance musician, Ellis has also performed with groups such as the Syracuse Orchestra, Syracuse Opera, and the 315 Ensemble. 

 

In the midst of Ellis’ collaborative projects, he remains a dedicated teacher at his studio, the Westcott Music Collective, and as the guitar instructor at Onondaga Community College. In addition to teaching, Ellis volunteers as President of the Great Lakes Guitar Society, a Syracuse based non profit organization focused on providing music education and performance opportunities throughout the community. 

 

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