Ben Henriques

Acclaimed saxophonist Ben Henriques has performed with jazz luminaries such as Joe Lovano, Ben Monder, and Jim McNeely, as well as popular artists like Father John Misty and Hey Ocean! Originally from Surrey, BC, Ben honed his craft in Montreal’s vibrant jazz scene while studying at McGill University. Ready to leave the snow behind, he returned to BC in 2012 to teach in the historic jazz studies department at Vancouver Island University. He ultimately resettled in the Lower Mainland in 2022, where he now teaches jazz studies at Capilano University and UBC.

As a bandleader, Ben has released three albums, each featuring his original compositions and highlighting his innovative approach to jazz. His compositions—described as both “lyrical” and “burners” by Peter Hum of the Ottawa Citizen—showcase a distinctive blend of jazz vocabulary infused with his unique voice. His most recent release, Donut Apologies (2024), is a duo album with pianist Nick Peck, available on Bandcamp.

Ben’s commitment to excellence is evident in every performance, and he strives to instill that same professionalism in his students.