Artist Statement: I have an obsession with asking questions about the world around me and the world within me. My favorite color, red, symbolizes my strong belief in the passion and perseverance of self-growth. Our lives are a work in progress. Like a phoenix, I believe anyone can be reborn from the ashes of their trauma to face the world with confidence in their life's purpose. Music and words, both sung and spoken, are the languages I have chosen to communicate my mission and inspire others around me. 

With a passion for collaboration and creative ideas both new and customary, Alexia combines a unique blend of her fascination with people, structural architecture, and philosophy into her musical works. She is also inspired by the ebb and flow of artwork, new-age jazz, the rigid and ornate details of gothic cathedrals, and the intensity of music combined with plot found in dramatic theatre and opera. 

Extended Bio - Alexia Benson, composer & mezzo-soprano: Alexia Benson is a composer and mezzo-soprano whose works have been performed both internationally and in the United States. Her music has been described as both “emotionally intense” and “structurally compelling.” Upcoming performances include the premiere of her composition titled “Fractals of Emotion” for pierrot ensemble, as well as the recording and premiere of her composition titled “This Cage” for mezzo, horn, and piano. Recently, her composition "V.I.V. - Rituals from Self to Divine" was performed by University Philharmonia Orchestra at SMTD. Formerly, her work “Rebirth of the Phoenix” was recorded by L.A. based studio musician and flutist Sara Andon. Alexia is an avid collaborator who enjoys performing the works of other composers. 

She received her Bachelor’s of Music in Composition and Vocal Performance from the University of Redlands and received a full scholarship to pursue her Master’s Degree in Composition at the University of Michigan. During her junior year, she studied abroad at IES Vienna in Austria with composer Gabriel Proy. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, she studied composition under the tutelage of Dr. Anthony Suter and Dr. Andre Myers. This past year, she studied with Judd Greenstein, director of the NOW Ensemble, and is currently studying under the tutelage of Kristin Kuster at the University of Michigan.

Voice Bio: Alexia Benson is a composer and mezzo-soprano who enjoys collaborating with others in both contemporary and classical music. Most recently, she was chosen to perform as the alto soloist in Mahler’s 2nd Symphony with the University Symphony Orchestra at the University of Michigan. She has also performed the full Kindertotenlieder song cycle by Mahler with chamber orchestra for the SMTD Conducting Studio Spring Concert.

During her former studies, she performed the role of Romeo in the opera “I Capuleti e i Montecchi” by Vincenzo Bellini. She has also performed lead roles such as Dido and the Sorceress in Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, Socrate and Phaedo in Erik Satie’s Socrate for voice and orchestra, Jimmy in the Songspiel Mahagonny by Kurt Weill, as well as Marthe in Charles Gounod’s Faust.  In 2019, she was chosen to perform  “Va! Laisse couler mes larmes” from Jules Massenet’s Werther in the Opera Gala with the University of Redlands Orchestra.