Commissions
Ben Ponniah is a British composer of choral and vocal music whose work has been performed by ensembles including the BBC Singers, Canterbury Cathedral Choir, and the Choir of Royal Holloway.
His music is shaped by collaboration, text, and narrative, with recent commissions ranging from cathedral services and BBC broadcasts to large-scale concert works exploring remembrance, community, and hope.
Ben welcomes commission enquiries from choirs, festivals, schools, churches, charities and private individuals.
đź“© Get in touch at hello@benponniah.com
Recent major commissions
- Carry Me Home
- commissioned by Sir Nick and Lady Young in memory of their son Alex.
- Premiered at St Joseph’s College Chapel, Ipswich, the work is scored for alto saxophone, solo bass, choir, piano, and strings, and was developed in close collaboration with the family throughout its creation.
- The performance raised nearly ÂŁ6,000 for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide.
- The Resurrection – commissioned for Easter Sunday Eucharist and broadcast on BBC Radio 4, written for David Newsholme and Canterbury Cathedral Choir.
- Litany of Reconciliation – commissioned for the Coventry Blitz 85th Anniversary Service and Vigil at Coventry Cathedral.
- BEGIN – large-scale choral work for choir, piano, and strings, premiered at Snape Maltings to a full house.
Broadcast, recordings & performances
Ben’s music has been performed, broadcast, and recorded by leading ensembles and institutions including:
- Choir of Royal Holloway – forthcoming recording of Ben’s Christmas music for Signum Records (2026)
- BBC Singers – BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong and BBC Music & Meditation [14:24]
- Selwyn College Chapel Choir – Marvellous Light (single-composer disc)
- Choir & Organ magazine commission performed at St Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue
- Anna Lapwood and the Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge – recording of Seeing the star, approaching 400,000 streams
Awards & recognition
- Winner of the St Paul’s Cathedral Composition Competition (2023), judged by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Andrew Carwood
- Works performed in major cathedral, collegiate, and broadcast settings across the UK
- Seeing the star described as “a piece that should be in the Christmas repertoire of every choir” – Anna Lapwood MBE
What people are saying
“We’re very much enjoying preparing The Resurrection. It’s quite a favourite amongst the choristers in particular!”
David Newsholme, Director of Music, Canterbury Cathedral
“I found myself quickly falling for his jazz-infused harmonies and ability to construct beautiful musical lines.”
Anna Lapwood MBE
“It’s hard to articulate how beautiful, moving, poignant and celebratory the concert was. I cried a lot and I’m sure others did too.”
Audience member
“Ben was great to work with throughout the whole process. He listened carefully to our requirements and wrote a beautiful carol that the singers loved performing.”
Ben de Souza, Founding Director of the choir at Clare Hall, Cambridge
Commissioning areas
Ben is available for a wide range of commissions, including:
Choral works
- Anthems, motets, and carols
- Concert works for chamber or large choir
- Seasonal and festival commissions
Special projects
- Memorial and commemorative works
- Charity and awareness-based commissions
- Collaborative or text-led projects
Institutional commissions
- Cathedrals, universities, and professional ensembles
- Broadcast and recording projects
How commissioning works
- Initial discussion of idea, context, and ensemble
- Agreement of scope, timeline, and fee
- Composition period with optional consultation
- Delivery of score and parts
- Support for premiere and performance where required
Get in touch
Whether you have a fully developed brief or simply the beginnings of an idea, Ben would be delighted to start a conversation.
If you are interested in commissioning a new work or discussing an idea, please get in touch.
Ben is always happy to explore new collaborations across a wide range of contexts.
đź“© Get in touch at hello@benponniah.com