About Forest Benson

Early Recognition and Competition Success

Forest Benson has achieved remarkable success in youth music competitions. He won the 2025 Kay Meek Competition [1][7][15][16][19], earning performances with the VAM Symphony Orchestra playing Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 5 in F major, Op. 103 ("Egyptian") at Kay Meek Centre on Feb 22, 2025, and Orpheum on Mar 1 [1][15][16]. He also secured the 1st Grand Prize in the Piano Category at the 2023 Vancouver International Music Competition [20] and the Gala Trophy at the 11th Pacific International Youth Festival, as announced by his teacher [21].

Major Performances and Collaborations

Benson has performed as a featured soloist with major ensembles. Highlights include his VAM Symphony Orchestra concerto debut [7][15][16][19], a concert with @solistes_lux featuring Saint-Saëns No. 5 [17], and an upcoming appearance at York Place Musical Salon on September 20-21, 2025, praised for his musical maturity at age 17 [22]. Additional events include the VAM x RCM Speech Arts & Drama program [1] and a gala performance post-2023 competition [20].

Education and Training

Benson is a student at the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) and participates in Discovery Sessions at VSO School of Music [bio]. His teacher publicly celebrated his Pacific Festival win [21], indicating formal mentorship in Vancouver's music scene.

Online Presence and Public Engagements

Benson maintains an Instagram presence (@forestbensonpiano) [17] and (@clear_cut36_) with posts from 2017 [18]. He is featured in community events like Omaha's First Friday [13], though primarily Vancouver-focused.