Among the leading classical music executives of his generation, Benjamin Schwartz has worked in key positions with major orchestras and festivals in the United States, Japan, Australia and Germany. He currently oversees the artistic planning of the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, working in close collaboration with its new chief conductor, Sir Simon Rattle. Before joining the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks at the invitation of previous chief conductor Mariss Jansons, Benjamin Schwartz served as director of artistic planning with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and David Robertson and artistic administrator of the Saito Kinen Festival, where he worked closely with Seiji Ozawa.
He began his career as assistant artistic administrator of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he performed actively as a professional cellist, during which time he collaborated closely with a broad range of composers, leading to premiere performances of dozens of new chamber and solo works.
Benjamin Schwartz has served repeatedly as a juror on international instrumental, singing and conducting juries, and as an adjudicator for numerous fellowship and scholarship initiatives. He received his diploma in cello performance with distinction from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and his Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory, after completing his undergraduate studies in French literature from the University of Notre Dame.
