Benjamin Fingland is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a clarinetist, chamber musician, and educator. Born in 1979 in New York City, Fingland grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, so music was always a part of his life. Fingland began playing the clarinet at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied with several renowned clarinetists, including David Shifrin, Charles Neidich, and Ayako Oshima, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music. Throughout his career, Fingland has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the International Contemporary Ensemble. He has also collaborated with many renowned composers, including Steve Reich, John Adams, and Philip Glass. One of Fingland's most notable performances was his solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2007, where he performed a program of contemporary works for clarinet. The New York Times praised his performance, calling him a "clarinet virtuoso" and noting his "impressive technique and musicality." Fingland has also been recognized for his work as a chamber musician. He is a founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble, a group dedicated to performing and promoting contemporary classical music. The ensemble has won numerous awards and has been praised for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. In addition to his work as a performer, Fingland is also an accomplished educator. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the University of California, San Diego. He is currently on the faculty at the Bard College Conservatory of Music. Fingland has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians and provides financial support to help them further their careers. He has also been a recipient of the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Program, which supports the creation of new works by American composers. Overall, Benjamin Fingland is a highly respected and accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His virtuosic performances, innovative programming, and dedication to contemporary classical music have earned him a place among the most talented and influential musicians of his generation.

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