Role

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Composer Conductor  

Period

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Contemporary

 

Rick Benjamin is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1954, in New York City, United States. From a young age, Benjamin showed a keen interest in music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Benjamin began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and the trumpet. He later went on to study music at the Manhattan School of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. He also studied conducting at the Juilliard School of Music. After completing his studies, Benjamin began his career as a professional musician. He worked as a freelance trumpet player in New York City and performed with various orchestras and ensembles. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting and musicology. In 1986, Benjamin founded the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, which is dedicated to the preservation and performance of America's rich musical heritage. The orchestra specializes in the music of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including ragtime, early jazz, and popular music. Under Benjamin's leadership, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has become one of the most respected and sought-after ensembles in the world. The orchestra has performed at major venues and festivals across the United States and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In addition to his work with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, Benjamin has also conducted many other orchestras and ensembles. He has worked with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Benjamin's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1999, he received the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for his book, "The American Ragtime Orchestra: The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and the Music of Scott Joplin." He has also been awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the New York State Council on the Arts Grant. One of the highlights of Benjamin's career was his performance at the White House for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. He conducted the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra in a concert that celebrated the music of the early 20th century. Another notable performance by Benjamin was his collaboration with the New York Philharmonic in a concert that featured the music of George Gershwin. Benjamin conducted the orchestra in a performance of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," which was met with critical acclaim. Benjamin's dedication to preserving and promoting America's musical heritage has made him a respected figure in the world of music. His work with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra has inspired a new generation of musicians and music lovers, and his contributions to the field of musicology have helped to shed light on the rich history of American music. In conclusion, Rick Benjamin is a talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His work with the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and his collaborations with other orchestras and ensembles have earned him numerous awards and honors. Benjamin's dedication to preserving and promoting America's musical heritage has made him a respected figure in the world of music, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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