Ben Perche

Ben is a new generation conductor passionate about new music and music education.

Ben has directed and organised ambitious performances, including György Ligeti’s Kammerkonzert für 13 Instrumentalisten at the Sydney Conservatorium, Steve Reich’s Drumming with students from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti (Michigan) in 2025, and musicals such as Legally Blonde with Pennant Hills High School. As part of his work with NSSWE, Ben spearheaded an international Wind Ensemble Gala concert featuring the esteemed Tokyo Takanawandai Wind Orchestra at The Concourse in Chatswood. Ben is the Music Director and Conductor of Musique Courante, a new project ensemble dedicated to performing underplayed works from the 20th and 21st centuries.

He has worked extensively as a conductor and administrator with primary and high school bands across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches. His experience includes work with music extension programs such as the Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble (NSSWE) and The Arts Unit initiatives within the Department of Education. He also authored a free ‘Band Program Administration Handbook’ to help new administrators and parent committees run effective school programs, and serves on the committee of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association (NSW).

He holds bachelor’s degrees in music (oboe and conducting) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and engineering (mechatronics) from the University of Sydney, as well as an AMusA from the AMEB in oboe. He developed his conducting skills through programs delivered by ABODA, Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Ensemble Offspring, and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. As an oboist, Ben plays in numerous semi-professional and community ensembles across Sydney and the Central Coast, as well as in the pit with local musical theatre productions. After a year of postgraduate study in the United States under Dr Mary Schneider, Ben is now completing a Masters of Music Studies in Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium under Professor Ben Northey.