Miri Ben-Ari is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, producer, and music-tech entrepreneur. She is a “Goodwill Ambassador of Music” to the United Nations, a keynote speaker, and founder of the Symphony of Brotherhood School program. Originally from Israel, she has created a genre-defying sound that fuses classical, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Miri is a classically trained violinist who studied under the late Isaac Stern and has collaborated with top artists including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Janet Jackson, John Legend, and Armin van Buuren.
I sat down with Miri to discuss her journey into music, the school program she started, Symphony of Brotherhood, and more:
Natalie: Hi Miri, it’s so great to connect and learn more about your journey. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you first discover music? Did you find the violin, or did the violin find you?
Miri: I’m told that my parents gave me a violin when I was five years old. I must have liked it, because I kept practicing. I practiced a lot as a child; it was my happy place.
Natalie: How did you discover your love for hip-hop? As I was reading more about your story and journey, you started as a classically trained violinist. Was there a moment where you realized that you and the violin could have a voice in this space?
Miri: I grew up surrounded by classical music in a very classical home. The radio played symphonies and operas 24/7, and my brother practiced classical piano all day long. Before discovering Hip Hop, I discovered Jazz and moved to the U.S. to study it. In hindsight, that was the best decision I could have made; it gave me the freedom to improvise and create my own style.
I only discovered Hip Hop after moving to the U.S., and I became obsessed with the freedom of expression: the ability to say exactly what you think. It felt similar to the creative freedom I found in Jazz. I had a weekly Jazz gig at an uptown spot and had already started programming Hip Hop-style beats for my band. One day, an executive from Atlantic Records happened to stop by, and soon after, I was sent to the studio to meet Wyclef Jean.
Wyclef was the first artist to introduce me as “The Hip Hop Violinist” at Carnegie Hall, of all places. Later, Jay-Z and Kanye West also introduced me with that same title. That’s when I realized major rappers were recognizing me as an artist with a unique voice and style, introducing something new in music, a subgenre: Hip Hop Violin.
Natalie: I would love to hear more about your work with the New Jersey Department of Education and bringing Symphony of Brotherhood to schools. How did this come about, and what’s the project’s mission?
Miri: Symphony of Brotherhood began as a music-for-social-good initiative to unite different religions and cultures through the power of music. Realizing that this need for unity exists everywhere, we brought the program into schools with a mission to help create a safe and empowering academic environment.
We partnered with New Jersey Lieutenant Governor, Tahesha Way, and the Department of Education, kicked off Black History Month in Newark, NJ, and are set to bring the program back this coming academic year. It’s incredibly exciting- not only does it inspire creativity among young people, but it also empowers them to pursue careers and value the strength of community.
Natalie: Meeting students where they are is a powerful way to inspire them. Do you feel the Symphony of Brotherhood helps students see themselves reflected in the music and maybe even see themselves on stage one day?
Miri: In order to meet students where they are, you have to understand them—their world, what motivates them, and what inspires them. I’ve been creating music that speaks to and uplifts young people, and this program is designed specifically for them. It’s interactive, engaging, and combines Hip Hop, Gospel, and meaningful conversations to inspire students on their journey.
Natalie: You’re a GRAMMY Award-winning violinist in the world of hip-hop. What advice would you give to women looking to step outside of traditional boundaries and make their mark in music?
Miri: My advice: don’t be afraid to be you and don’t be afraid of success.
Natalie: Finally, what’s next for you and the Symphony of Brotherhood? Where can our readers follow your journey and learn more about your social impact work?
Miri: Still processing the fact that I just headlined NBA Finals Game 7…I’m now focused on bringing innovation to the music space as a music-tech entrepreneur. Last year, I founded a startup that’s pushing the boundaries of how we experience and engage with music. Our product is set to launch next year, and I highly recommend signing up for our mailing list to get early access.
If you would like to learn more about Miri’s journey, you can follow her on Instagram at @miribenari or visit her website: www.miribenarai.com.
