April 11th: Today’s Feature

April

Benjamin Kwasi Burrell, a talented composer, orchestrator, arranger, and musical director, hails from south-east London where he honed his skills in saxophone and piano. His musical journey led him to Trinity College of Music for Jazz Piano training and later to Berklee College of Music where he obtained a Masters in Scoring for Film, Television & Video Games.

Notable for his work in theatre, Benjamin has made significant contributions as a composer and arranger for various productions. He notably worked on the National Theatre's rendition of Shelagh Delaney's A Taste of Honey, directed by Bijan Sheibani, which later moved to Trafalgar Studios following a successful UK tour. Additionally, he served as the composer and musical director for the acclaimed play Small Island, based on Andrea Levy's book, under the direction of Rufus Norris at the National Theatre, as well as for Dick Whittington's performance in December 2020.

In recognition of his exceptional talent and contributions to the industry, Benjamin was honoured with the Musical Director Recognition Award at the prestigious Black British Theatre Awards in 2019. His role as the Musical Director of The House and Garage Orchestra since 2019 has further solidified his reputation in the music scene. Furthermore, his collaboration with the Jazz Jamaica All Stars and Chineke! Juniors on their groundbreaking performances on Britain's Got Talent in 2020 showcased his versatility and innovative approach to music.

Benjamin's work in the film industry is truly impressive, as he has composed the score for various projects ranging from teen-adventure features to independent short films. Notably, he collaborated with Sir Lenny Henry for which he wrote the score for Lenny’s play "Three Little Birds" and also worked on the teen-adventure feature "Shortcut."

Additionally, Benjamin's talent shines through in his scoring of independent short films, such as "Shiney," which even received an award at the prestigious Rouen Film Festival. His ability to adapt his musical style to different genres and narratives is truly commendable.

Benjamin has composed the music for the fantasy/horror film Shortcut, showcasing his talent on screen. In addition to this project, he has also worked on various independent short films, such as Shiney directed by Paul Holbrook, as well as shorts for director Jack Ryder and Arts Ed. Benjamin's diverse portfolio demonstrates his versatility and skill in creating music for a range of genres and styles in the film industry.

Renowned for his accomplishments in the world of theatre, Benjamin has made a significant impact through his exceptional skills as a composer and arranger for a wide range of productions. His ability to adapt and innovate within the realm of music has garnered him recognition for his versatility, forward-thinking and groundbreaking approach to creating captivating soundscapes for the stage.