Johann Georg Benda

Johann Georg Benda was born in Benátky nad Jizerou, the son of a weaver, Jan Jiří Benda and his wife Dorota Brixi, daughter of the village cantor from Slasko and member of the large Czech musical family.

In 1733, Johann Georg followed his older brother Franz into the employment of the Hofkapelle at Dresden.

[2][3][4] Once again following in his brother's footsteps, Johann Georg moved to Rheinsberg in 1734[2][3] and, arriving on or after 8 April, was immediately employed as a viola player in the then-crown prince Frederick's private Hofkapelle.

During this time, he also finalised his training as a violinist under the tutelage of his older brother, Franz.

[2][3] Upon the accession of Frederick to the Prussian throne in 1740, Johann Georg was transferred to Berlin where he was employed in the newly formed court orchestra,[2][3][4] first as a viola player on a salary of 150 Thaler, and later as a violinist on a salary of 300 Thaler.