Ben Ponniah began his musical journey as a chorister St Mary-le-Tower church in Ipswich at the age of six, encouraged by his mother (a pianist) and organist/music director John Cooper. A scholarship to Ipswich School soon followed, where he excelled at piano, horn, and singing.
While majoring in economics at Nottingham University, Ben continued to sing and studied jazz piano, returning to sing at St Mary-le-Tower where he embarked upon his life in composition. Early successes included an album on Regent Records completely devoted to his music—Marvelous Light—recorded by the Selwyn College Choir conducted by Sarah MacDonald; and the recording of his carol Seeing The Star by Pembroke College Choir (A Pembroke Christmas, Signum Classic Records) conducted by Anna Lapwood. Both albums received glowing reviews from multiple sources, with Seeing The Star logging over 400,000 streams on Spotify. His first publication with August Press, O Lord Support Us, was honored as an ‘Editors’ Choice’ award by J.W. Pepper and Sons, one of the United States’ premier music retailers.
In 2023, Ben Ponniah was awarded the PhD in Composition from University of Aberdeen, where he studied with Phillip Cooke and Jonathan Hicks, underwritten by the Derek Ogston Postgraduate Music Scholarship. He won first prize in the New Music for St Paul’s (Cathedral) Composition Competition while at Aberdeen.
2024 was a banner year for Ben, with premieres of his carol settings at Westminster Abbey, Trinity Hall Cambridge, Peterhouse Cambridge, Guilford Cathedral, along with several choral societies across the UK.
August Press is honored to serve as one of Ben’s publishers, and we look forward to supporting his promising career.
August Press is honored to publish these works by Ben Ponniah
O Lord, Support Us Text by John Henry Newman
SATB a cappella
Ben Ponniah illuminates the famous prayer of John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life…
The approach is understated, the setting well within reach of many choirs, and concludes with an ‘Amen’ setting deserving of separate use during services. J W Pepper awarded its prestigious ‘Editors Choice Award’ to this lovely gem of sacred choral repertoire.
Litany To The Holy Spirit Text by Robert Herrick (1591-1674)
2-part trebles, accompanied
Commissioned by Choir & Organ Magazine for Daniel Hyde and the choir of St. Thomas Fifth Avenue Church in New York, Ben Ponniah focuses his compositional skills on a classic Robert Herrick devotional poem. Scored for two treble parts, accompanied by either organ or piano. An ideal programming selection for treble choir, youth choir, women’s choir, or two part men’s voices, with text appropriate for Lenten or communion servicies.
Deep Peace Of Christ To You (A Gaelic Blessing) Text traditional
SATB accompanied
Ben offers a fresh and moving treatment of a beloved traditional text, the Gaelic Blessing.
Deep peace of the running wave to you, deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you….
Scored simply for SATB and piano ( or organ) and accessible to choirs of any size, a lovely addition to the sacred choral repertoire.
Silent Night Franz Gruber, arr. Ponniah
SATB. accompanied
The second offering in the August Press Silent Night Project, this setting features subtle harmonies with a bit of dry humor thrown in for good measure. Listen for a snippet of a lullaby along the way!
Ben Ponniah’s skillful descant writing and thoughtful piano accompaniment create a memorable treatment of this most beloved Christmas carol.