Benjamin Vargas

Benjamin Vargas joined Pacific Symphony as principal tuba in 2026. In addition to previous performances with the Toronto Symphony, the Ann Arbor Symphony, and the Hamilton Philharmonic, he performed in Winter 2025 on an international tour with film composer Hans Zimmer, featuring performances in the United States and Saudi Arabia. As a soloist, Vargas was the sole American semifinalist for the 2025 International Tuba Euphonium Competition (ITEC) and a semifinalist at the 2024 Leonard Falcone International Tuba Competition. He spent two summers with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and one summer in NYO USA.

Vargas comes to the orchestra after completing his Master’s degree at the University of Michigan with David Zerkel and Undergraduate Studies at the Glenn Gould School with Sasha Johnson. Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York State, he enjoys playing soccer, reading, and listening to Schubert.