Benjamin Schmid

Benjamin Schmid is a Professor of Violin at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, Austria. He holds the title of University Professor (Univ.-Prof.) and specializes in violin performance, chamber music, and jazz improvisation. His affiliations include the Strings Department and roles as Artistic Director of the Salzburg Orchestra Soloists (SAOS) and the Chamber Orchestra Musica Vitae. Notable achievements include winning the International Prize for Art and Culture (2019), Echo Klassik, and Opus Klassik awards. His research focuses on Mozart's violin works, historically informed performance practices, and cross-genre collaborations between classical and jazz traditions.

Prof. Schmid's career spans over 3,000 performances with renowned orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic and Amsterdam Concertgebouw. He is recognized for his technical mastery, improvisational skills, and championing overlooked works such as Korngold's Violin Concerto. As a recording artist, his discography includes over 60 albums, many award-winning, such as the 20-CD box set celebrating his 50th birthday.

He serves on juries for competitions like the International Mozart Competition and leads the ClassixKempten music festival. His artistry bridges classical traditions with modern innovations, exemplified by his work with jazz trios and experimental chamber ensembles.