Utah Arts Review – Violinist makes outstanding debut in Utah Symphony’s Spanish-flavored program

by Edward Reichel

This weekend’s Utah Symphony program is titled “Sketches of Spain,” but it should really be called “The Benjamin Beilman Show.”

Making his Masterworks debut Friday, the young American violinist gave a knockout performance of Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, a work not often heard in Abravanel Hall. His reading displayed a level of maturity that surpasses his 30 years. That quality—combined with the depth of expression he brought to his performance, as well as his technical chops and interpretative skills— certainly place him in the forefront of today’s young concert violinists.

Beilman attacked the opening measures of the first movement with bold strokes and dramatic flair, and contrasted that nicely with mellow phrasings in the softer passages. And there were always seamless transitions between these sections that brought a natural flow to the music.

See full review at utahartsreview.com