Lockdown Virtual Recordings

2020 is a year none of us will forget any time soon. For Ben, it’s the year his grandfather died, just a week before lockdown was introduced in the UK. The meticulous funeral plans - including the ambitious music Ben was due to direct - were hastily pursued, modified and eventually abandoned when the ceremony was cancelled. Not all was lost, however, and the many musicians already committed to taking part agreed to contribute to a virtual performance of one of the pieces: an arrangement by Ben of a folk tune with lyrics by his mother.

The recording was featured on national TV and radio, and has since been published by Encore Publications. Within days of its release Ben’s rapidly developing skills were in demand by groups ranging from local bands, churches and schools to a newly-founded international choir of over 5,000 members. His work has also been recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society in their annual awards.

So Ben finally got round to embarking on a longstanding ambition: mastering the skills and technology involved in recording, editing and mixing. Here is a selection of his virtual recordings to date.