Benjamin Richard is a bassoonist hailing from Ann Arbor, MI. In 2019, Benjamin began his career at the University of Michigan and has since played with musicians of the New York Philharmonic, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, and many more. From there, he continued his studies at the University of Southern California (USC) under the mentorship of Shawn Mouser, Associate Principal Bassoon of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Benjamin currently sits in the Bassoon II fellowship position for the California Young Artists Symphony.

Recently, Benjamin was a soloist with the USC Chamber Orchestra in Narong Prangcharoen’s Absence of Time (Concerto for Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, and Clarinet). In addition, he has been awarded the 2024 Stephen Maxym Memorial Award for Outstanding Bassoonist.