Brooklyn-based violinist, vocalist and songwriter Ben Russell mixes spiky, down-home fiddle, soaring violin lines and understated pop vocals into a fresh crossover blend. Born in San Diego, Russell studied violin at the Amsterdam Conservatory and earned a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory. His career started when he won the principal second violin chair at the Portland Symphony Orchestra in Maine. In 2006, Russell co-founded the Bryant Park Quartet, which teaches chamber music to school and university students around the U.S. He became a member of the American Contemporary Music Ensemble two years later, highlighting living American composers. His self-titled solo album (2012) consists of original music for violin and vocals. Russell also co-created Founders, an ensemble and songwriting collective that blends classical and folk music with pop arrangements. The group’s debut album, You & Who, was released in 2015. Russell has also performed with some of today’s most important ensembles—including International Contemporary Ensemble and A Far Cry—and has collaborated with Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, The National, Blonde Redhead and Max Richter.