Pro Musica Program Brings Violin Prodigy to Dearborn High

One of the world’s most celebrated emerging classical musicians will be making a stop at Friday as part of Pro Musica Detroit’s music outreach program.

Benjamin Beilman, a 21-year old violinist whose talent takes him from the stages of Montreal to orchestras in middle America and the bright lights of international cities, will take the stage at the high school at 1 p.m. to play classical music, and answer questions about his career. Students from Dearborn and high schools, as well as , will attend the event. 

The session will precede Beilman’s Friday night performance at the Max M. Fisher Center in Detroit–which is also Pro Musica’s 85th season opener.

Lisa Meyers, who oversees all kindergarten through 12th grade music programs for Dearborn Public Schools as its music resource teacher, said the event is unique in that Beilman will perform for the students, but the students will also interact with the young prodigy.

“It gives students a chance to ask questions about being a professional musician,” said Meyers. “Having Ben Beilman at the school gives the students a chance to see a musician that, in some cases, is only three years older than they are.”

Meyers added that the district has had partnerships with local music organizations, and hosted performances before.

Though relatively young, Beilman is a seasoned performer. He has won numerous accolades for his playing, and is preparing to debut with the L’Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, the L’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec and the South Dakota and Glens Falls symphonies. He also continues to perform with the Young Concert Artist Series in New York. Beilman released his debut album of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev’s complete sonatas for violin and piano last year.

The Dearborn High visit is part of a first-ever educational outreach program by Pro Musica, which retained financial support from the Hands Foundation and Target to make the program a reality.

Dana Gill, the director of Pro Musica, said the outreach program is designed to get young people interested in classical music.

"Our program is a re-iteration of a program that has not taken place in a while, and we're pleased to have our kick-off in Dearborn," she said.

"This program is designed to increase students' understanding of classical music," she said. "They will be able to speak directly with someone who has made a career out of music who is not much older than they are."

Beilman’s public performance begins at 8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit, where he will be accompanied by pianist Anna Polonsky. After the concert, Mr. Beilman will welcome questions and comments in a discussion with the audience.

Concert tickets are $45 each for patrons and are available by calling the Max M. Fisher Box Office at 313-576-5111, or online at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra website. As part of the outreach program, student tickets cost $10 each and can be reserved by calling 313-882-7775.

All ticket holders will be treated to a reception with the artists immediately following the concert.