Acclaim

“…20-year old Benjamin Beilman, made a striking impression with the Sibelius Concerto…Beilman’s sound was characterful, his preparation impeccable and he played with both eloquence and flair. By the end of the evening, he seemed poised to win either first or second prize…Many listeners had been touched by Beilman’s playing…” – MusicalAmerica.com (on Beilman’s First-Prize-winning performance at the 2010 Montréal International Musical Competition)

“Beilman’s sleek and elegant Sibelius began as if in another world – mysterious, ethereal, magical – and never descended into clichéd gestures or exaggerated displays of power.” – The Gazette (Montréal)

Translation from French: “…[then] came the eagerly awaited arrival of the angel of the [2010 Montréal International Musical] Competition, American Benjamin Beilman. From his first statement in the quarter-finals, Beilman displayed the spark that distinguishes great artists. This flare carried through the semifinals and did not wane in the Sibelius Concerto in the finals. The feeling that one was in front of a hybrid of Gil Shaham and James Ehnes continued, as we listened to such passion and such assurance…The jury here has a historic opportunity to position Montréal as the place that introduced to the world the talent of a future superstar of the violin.” – Le Devoir (Montréal)

Translation from French: “…there is the promise of a great future for Benjamin ‘beloved-of-the-gods’ Beilman.” – Le Devoir (Montréal)

Translation from French: “Artist and violin came together in the amazing 20-year-old American, Benjamin Beilman, a sort of spiritual son of Gil Shaham (who share the same pianissimo!)” – Le Devoir (Montréal)

Translation from French: “Beilman crossed the long and difficult score [of the Sibelius concerto] with precision…which, from a boy of 20 years, surprised us all.” – La Presse (Montréal)

Translation from French: “Choosing Beilman as the First Prize winner [of the 2010 Montréal Musical Competition] seemed fair. At age 20, there is no doubt that the jury took into account his young age as he offered such a technically solid, and above all, deeply felt interpretation of the great and demanding Sibelius Concerto. It was an exceptional accomplishment.” – La Presse (Montréal)

“Every phrase that came from violinist Benjamin Beilman in [Beethoven’s] Romance No. 2 was purposefully molded…Repeated descents into the lower strings not only revealed a distinctive, full-bodied sound but also carried emotional weight…” – The Philadelphia Inquirer