Benjamin Thacher

A native of Cape Cod, MA, Benjamin Thacher joined the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013, having previously served as the Associate Concertmaster of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. Benjamin received a B.M from the New England Conservatory as a student of Donald Weilerstein. He continued his graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory under the tutelage of Ian Swensen. His other teachers have included Nathan Cole (First Associate Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic), James Buswell, and Kelly Barr (former violinist of the Boston Symphony.)

Benjamin has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras including the Nashua Symphony, Boise Baroque Orchestra, Cape Cod Symphony, MetroWest Symphony, Dorchester Symphony, Chatham Chorale Orchestra, and the Rendezvous Festival Orchestra. He appeared as a soloist with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013 a performing Bach's Brandenburg Concerto. Benjamin has performed in top venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and Jordan Hall. He was the first violinist of the Honors String Quartet at the New England Conservatory. In 2003, he performed on 'From the Top' a national public radio program.

Benjamin studied for two summers at the Perlman Music Program (PMP) on Shelter Island where he had the unique opportunity to study with world renowned violinist, Itzhak Perlman. He has also attended the Schleswig-Holstein Music, American-Bach Soloists Academy, Yellow Barn, Musicorda, and Greenwood.

A passionate teacher of both violin and viola, Benjamin was the director of strings and orchestra at the Medicine Hat College in Alberta, Canada. He has also taught at the French International School in San Francisco, and at ArtsWest School in Idaho. He has presented Master Classes and has judged young artists competitions throughout the United States and Canada. His students frequently receive top prizes at local and National Competitions. Benjamin currently plays on a modern instrument made by Michael Koberling, a German maker.