Ben Lively is a violinist, violist, string arranger and composer based in Shelburne, VT. He has worked extensively in a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, tango and classical music. A versatile musician, Ben is a passionate collaborator equally at home in concert halls and dive bars. 

Born in England and raised in rural Maine, Ben grew up playing classical violin with the Suzuki method at age five. In high school and at Middlebury College he began studying jazz and exploring other styles of violin playing, eventually moving to France to study with jazz violin legend Didier Lockwood. 

Ben spent 15 years working in New York City, much of his time in Broadway pits. He performed in dozens of shows including Hamilton, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Frozen and Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour. Other notable performances include Elvis Costello’s A Face in the Crowd, a week with comedian Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall (featuring The Roots, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe and Busta Rhymes), and backing up Dana Carvey on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Since moving north in 2018 Ben has kept busy in Vermont’s vibrant musical scene. Recent collaborations include writing string arrangements for psych pop band Madaila, playing electric violin, mandolin, and guitar with the Grift and Josh Panda’s Wilykat and exploring Astor Piazzolla’s music with La Rebelión Del Tango. He’s also playing frequently with The Dartmouth Symphony and the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. Ben lives with his wife and two young daughters.