Benjamin Zander

Biography

Benjamin Zander is the conductor of The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and a guest conductor around the world. With London`s famed Philharmonia Orchestra, he is recording the complete cycle of Mahler symphonies for Telarc, recordings which have been received with extraordinary critical acclaim and several awards. Their latest recording of Bruckner`s 5th Symphony was nominated for a 2010 Grammy, and has received critical acclaim both for the performance and Zander`s now famous full-length disc explaining the music for the lay listener. They recorded their next release, Mahler`s 2nd Symphony, in 2012.

In 1967, Mr. Zander joined the faculty at New England Conservatory, where he taught an interpretation class, conducted the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted the conservatory orchestras. For the past 28 years, he was the Artistic Director of the joint program between New England Conservatory`s Preparatory School and The Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts in Natick, Massachusetts.

Mr. Zander is one of the most sought after speakers in the world. He gave the opening Keynote address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where on another occasion he was awarded the Crystal award for "outstanding contributions in the Arts and international relations. In 2002 he was awarded the "Caring Citizen of the Humanities" Award by the International Council for Caring Communities at the United Nations. In honor of his 70th birthday, and 44 years of teaching, he was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the New England Conservatory.

His partner Rosamund Zander and he have collaborated on a best-selling book, "The Art of Possibility" which has been translated into fifteen languages.

Publications

The Art of Possibility:
Transforming Professional and Personal Life

"In Their Playing You Hear not only precision, color and balance, but thunder, lightning and the language of the heart." This is what the Boston Globe said about a performance by conductor Benjamin Zander with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, but it could apply equally to the Zanders` inspirational book, the product of a synthesis of the diverse worlds of the symphony orchestra and cutting-edge psychology.

The Art of Possibility offers a set of breakthrough practices for creativity in all human enterprises. Infused with the energy of their dynamic partnership, the book joins together Ben`s extraordinary talent as a mover and shaker, teacher, and communicator, with Rosamund Stone Zander`s genius for creating innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment. In lively counterpoint, the authors provide us with a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of our lives.

The Zanders` deceptively simple practices are based on two premises: that life is composed as a story ("it`s all invented") and that, with new definitions, much more is possible than people ordinarily think. The book shifts our perspective with uplifting stories, parables, and anecdotes from the authors` personal experiences as well as from famous and everyday heroes. From "Giving an A," to the mysterious "Rule Number 6," to "Leading from Any Chair" -- the account of Ben`s stunning realization that the conductor/leader`s power is directly linked to how much greatness he is willing to grant to others -- each practice offers an opportunity for personal and organizational transformation.

The Art of Possibility provides a lifealtering approach to fulfilling dreams large and small. The Zanders invite us all to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.

The Art of Possibility provides a life-altering approach to fulfilling dreams large and small. The Zanders invite us all to become passionate communicators, lovers, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.

Titles

A Metaphor for Leadership
Benjamin Zander`s presentation takes an audience on a journey that offers a startling new perspective on leadership. Through stories, music and concepts it causes a radical shift in perception. This is not a speech, it is an experience!

In this new model of leadership, the conductor sees his job as awakening possibility in others. The orchestra is a group of highly trained individuals poised to coalesce into an effective whole. Passion, creativity and the desire to contribute are basic human instincts to be released.

World famous conductor, Benjamin Zander uses the metaphor of the orchestra and a life-time of experience conducting, coaching and teaching musicians to work his magic to overcome barriers to corporate productivity. This presentation sources fundamental changes in organizations.