Benji Bower & The Terra Collective Orchestra

Fostering his passion for music throughout his school and college years, Benji Bower eventually moved to Bristol, where he found a new path in theatre music alongside director Sally Cookson. Their partnership spanned nearly 17 years and resulted in over 20+ shows together, including National Theatre: Jane Eyre, National Theatre Live: Peter Pan, Bristol Old Vic: A Monster Calls (UK and World Tours), Bristol Old Vic: Wonder Boy (as shown on Sky Arts).

Benji has earned recognition as one of the UK’s most distinguished composers of theatre music including the ‘Outstanding Achievement In Music’ at the Olivier Awards for ‘A Monster Calls’ at The Old Vic and ‘Best Family Show’. He has also co-written and produced Kathleen Frances’s debut EP ‘Through the Blue’ as well as her forthcoming album. His scores for Wilke Branson’s film ‘Tom’ and the film ‘Weekend Retreat’ have received multiple awards. Benji’s extensive experience as a musician includes tours with Bonobo and Alice Russell, as well as collaborations with artists like Mark Pritchard (Global Communication/Troubleman), Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords) and the Kneehigh Theatre. He has also produced four critically acclaimed albums under the name Unforscene and recorded a BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session for Gilles Peterson Worldwide, and remixed the likes of Heritage Orchestra and LTJ Bukem.

Benji began curating The Terra Collective Orchestra via the Arts Council England (ACE). Drawing on local talent in the Bristol music scene, he enlisted the expertise of orchestra manager Anneka Sutcliffe and renowned theatre producers Impossible-Producing, to secure a substantial ACE grant to bring the project to fruition.