Ben Russell

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 cofounded the Bryant Park Quartet, which teaches chamber music to high school and college students around the country. 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 cocreated 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.