I compose punchy classical music driven by momentum. From solo instruments to symphony orchestras, my music explores the speed and intensity of contemporary Australia in our increasingly digital existence.
Through this lens, I explore the relation between chaos and beauty, creating music that is equal parts thrilling, playful and reflective.
Ben Robinson is a versatile classical composer whose bold and agile compositional style has earned commissions from the likes of the Australian National Academy of Music, the Sydney Opera House, Ensemble Apex and Omega Ensemble.
His recent Clarinet Concertino was a finalist in the 2026 Art Music Awards for Work of the Year: Large Ensemble. In 2025 he received the 2MBS Fine Music Stefan Kruger Scholarship and was shortlisted by the Australian Music Centre for the 2026 ISCM World New Music Days Festival in Bucharest.
Ben is currently composing his first string quartet in collaboration with Melbourne's Penny Quartet. The work will premiere in November 2026 before being released on a collaborative album of his music with the ensemble in early 2027.
As an arranger, he has reimagined the music of Australian band Lime Cordiale for their national tour with all six of Australia's state symphony orchestras, and First Nations singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock for her national Musica Viva Australia tour with Penny Quartet.
Since graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2019, Ben has been selected for prestigious creative opportunities including the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra's Australian Composers' School and Omega Ensemble's CoLAB: Composer Development Program, where he has developed a distinctive compositional voice and a collaborative practice with many of Australia's leading musicians.
Ben is an Associate Artist with the Australian Music Centre.
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Finalist: 2026 Art Music Awards
Clarinet Concertino: Second Chance is a finalist in the 2026 Art Music Awards for Work of the Year: Large Ensemble, marking a significant career milestone. The annual ceremony celebrates the creators, performers and organisations shaping Australia’s vibrant art music landscape.
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Album: Penny Quartet × Ben Robinson
A new string quartet and studio release with Melbourne’s Penny Quartet. With the development of String Quartet No. 1: The Lure at its centre, the project will premiere at Sydney’s Phoenix Central Park in November 2026 before a studio release in early 2027 – the debut for all artists involved.
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Recording: Clarinet Concertino
Composed for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s brilliant second clarinettist Eloise Fisher, Clarinet Concertino: Second Chance grew from a shared experience of being the underdog. With humour and flair, this 12-minute showpiece pushes back against that idea. It marks the culmination of the two-year Australian Composers’ School program.
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Arrangement: Lime Cordiale
A new arrangement for Aussie band Lime Cordiale live with symphony orchestra. Performing alongside the Sydney, Melbourne, West Australian, Queensland and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, Lime Cordiale closed each set of their national tour with this orchestral adaptation of their hit track Inappropriate Behaviour.
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Virtual scores now available
A new collection of score videos is now available for streaming online. If you are interested in purchasing or commissioning a score, or if you would simply like to explore the repertoire, you can discover both new and old works while delving into the music in greater detail.
