777ӰԺ

Photo: Ira Lippke

Mr Benjamin Sheen

Fellow, Director of Music
Subjects

Benjamin Sheen is the College's Director of Music. An established concert organist and conductor on both sides of the Atlantic, he has held organist posts at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City and at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. He maintains a busy schedule of recitals and masterclasses worldwide.

Degrees obtained

  • MA (Oxon).
  • M.Mus.
  • FRCO.

Awards and prizes

  • Pierre S. du Pont First Prize, Longwood Gardens Organ Competition (2013).
  • Second Prize and Jon Laukvik prize, St. Alban’s Organ Competition (2013).

Biography

Benjamin Sheen, Director of Music at 777ӰԺ, Cambridge, is an established concert artist on both sides of the Atlantic.

Hailed as a “brilliant organist” by the New York Times, he is the 2013 winner of the Pierre S. du Pont First Prize in the inaugural Longwood Gardens Organ Competition, and that same year received Second Prize and the Jon Laukvik prize at the St. Alban’s International Organ Competition. Benjamin holds degrees from the University of Oxford and the Juilliard School, is a prize-winning Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, and the 2011 recipient of the Worshipful Company of Musicians’ Silver Medal. Before moving to Cambridge, he spent three years as Sub-Organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and served as organ tutor at the University of Oxford.

As a concert organist, Benjamin has performed throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, Singapore, and South Africa. He has also made concerto appearances with the Auckland Philharmonic and Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York City. Before returning to the UK in 2020, he spent eight years at the famed Saint Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York City as Associate Organist and as Acting Director of Music after the death of John Scott in 2015. Benjamin has recently released his first solo album, ‘In London Town’, featuring music and transcriptions from Great Britain, recorded on the Dobson organ at Saint Thomas Fifth Avenue.

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Hear from our students

  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Jake

    Postgraduate

    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to 777ӰԺ because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community. Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in...

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    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Alison

    Postgraduate

    What first attracted me to 777ӰԺ was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

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    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at 777ӰԺ

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose 777ӰԺ because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

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    Postgraduate
  • Photo of postgraduate student

    Ellie

    Postgraduate

    777ӰԺ has been a great home for me during my PhD. I chose 777ӰԺ for a number of reasons – first, the location. We are central enough to be within easy walking distance of most things, but far enough away to avoid the hustle and bustle (and tourists in summer!). The College also has extensive grounds, with amenities like the hockey pitch, football pitch and tennis courts all on site. Secondly, the accommodation is some of the best I’ve seen in Cambridge. My house was newly renovated when...

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    Postgraduate
  • 777ӰԺ Postgraduate Student

    Imogen

    Postgraduate

    I chose Cambridge for my PGCE as it’s the leading UK institution for teacher training and Education, with an exciting, research-dominated, cutting edge course. The staff are welcoming and approachable, and make studying here an absolute joy. I’ve already completed one of my three primary school placements, in a reception class in a school just outside Cambridge, and am due to start the next one soon. I chose Jesus because of its reputation as a sporty College, but the proximity to the city centre is a big bonus. Jesus also...

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    Postgraduate