Biography
Biography
Benjamin Carter is a New Zealand pianist and cellist based in London, studying at the Royal College of Music as an ABRSM scholar.
He studies piano with Professor Vanessa Latarche and cello with Professor Richard Harwood. His performances span solo recitals, concerto appearances and orchestral music on both instruments.
Benjamin first performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 2021, playing the first movement of Grieg’s Piano Concerto under James Judd. He has since appeared with the orchestra on piano and cello, and gave a piano recital for its 75th anniversary in 2022.
More about Benjamin
In 2026, Benjamin won the Villafranca International Piano Competition in Verona, Italy, receiving all special prizes. He was also awarded Third Prize and the Best Interpretation of a Chinese Work Award at the 5th Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians, where he performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 with the Salzburg Chamber Soloists.
As a cellist, he won First Prize at the 2022 New Zealand Young Performing Arts Awards and served as Principal Cellist of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra in 2021 and 2023. He has extensive performing experience, giving recitals in concert halls in New Zealand, Australia, China, and across Europe.
Selected honours
Achievements
- 2026Piano
First Prize
Villafranca International Piano Competition
Verona, Italy · All special prizes - 2023Piano
Third Prize
5th Zhuhai International Mozart Competition
Best Interpretation of a Chinese Work Award - 2022Cello
First Prize
New Zealand Young Performing Arts Awards
- 2021 & 2023Cello
Principal Cellist
NZSO National Youth Orchestra