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Benjamin Silva: Profile

Benjamin Silva

Guitarist Benjamin Silva comes from a musical family. He is the grandson of the renowned cellist Luigi Silva, and a laureate of numerous guitar competitions including the MTNA, Sholin, and Stotsenberg among others.

Silva has performed for audiences across the United States and Spain.
From Spanish royalty to the first lady of the United States, and from music critics to outreach concerts for Alzheimer's patients, Silva's fiery technique and impassioned artistry move audiences in any setting.

"'Variety is the spice of life'. I carry that philosophy into my music and my performances. I believe that variety and passion are the way to capture and excite an audience."

Recent appearances include concert series in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Washington, D.C., and Santiago de Compostela. Silva’s most influential teachers include Thomas Patterson, Michael Chapdelaine, Richard Hermann, the Indian sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and Jose Luis Rodrigo (a student of Andres Segovia). He is currently on the music faculties of the Public Academy for Performing Arts and
the University of New Mexico. In addition to his teaching activities, he
also concertizes with his flute and guitar duo "DUOLOGUE".

He is also Director and Co-Founder of the GUITARAlbuquerque resource website.

Silva performs regularly in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Check out the calendar page for his next performance in your area. You can also find more information on Benjamin at www.santafeartsandculture.org and www.kunm.org

Guitar: Paul Fischer, luthier - Main Concert Guitar

constructed: 2003
model: taut model
top: top
back/sides: brazilian rosewood
Paul Fischer Guitars

Guitar: Brian Dunn, luthier - Main Recording Guitar

constructed: 2000
model: #2
top: german spruce
back/sides: brazilian rosewood
design: based on 1937 Hauser
Article on Brian Dunn

Amplifier: AER Compact 60 - for chamber music and other live applications

AER amps

Microphones: Earthworks

For recording in the studio, I have really loved the presence and excitement that these microphones convey.
Matched pair of SR77 cardiod pattern, micro diaphram
Made in New Hampshire
Earthworks Audio

Guitar: C.F. Martin, luthier- Main Amplified Guitar

constructed: 2000 ?
model: C-1R
top: Western Red Cedar
back/sides: Laminated Rosewood
pickups: B-Band UST and Microphone
design: Thomas Humphrey Millennium
C.F. Martin Guitars