Ben Reimer is a Canadian percussionist and composer who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1985, Reimer grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. He was drawn to the percussive sounds of rock and roll, but soon discovered a passion for classical music as well. Reimer studied percussion at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2007. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at McGill University in Montreal, where he studied with renowned percussionist Aiyun Huang. During his time at McGill, Reimer developed a deep appreciation for contemporary classical music and began to explore the possibilities of percussion in this genre. After completing his studies, Reimer began to establish himself as a performer and composer. He has collaborated with a wide range of musicians and ensembles, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with many contemporary composers, including Nicole Lizée, John Luther Adams, and Steve Reich. One of Reimer's most notable performances was his 2014 solo concert at the Winnipeg New Music Festival. The concert featured a range of contemporary works for percussion, including pieces by John Cage, Iannis Xenakis, and Reimer himself. The performance was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality, and cemented Reimer's reputation as one of Canada's most exciting young percussionists. In addition to his work as a performer, Reimer is also an accomplished composer. He has written works for a variety of ensembles, including percussion quartets, chamber orchestras, and electronic ensembles. His compositions often explore the possibilities of percussion in new and innovative ways, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and electronic music. Reimer's work as a composer has been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2012, he was awarded the Winnipeg Arts Council's RBC On the Rise Award, which recognizes emerging artists in the city. In 2015, he was named one of CBC Music's "30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30." And in 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts' Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music for his composition "Katana of Choice." Despite his many accomplishments, Reimer remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new possibilities for percussion. He continues to perform and compose, and is widely regarded as one of Canada's most exciting and innovative musicians.

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