The First and Only Violinist to…
MEET violin legend and tech entrepreneur Miri Ben-Ari. Originally from Israel, she is a Grammy-winning Violinist, producer, humanitarian, “UN Goodwill Ambassador of Music” to the United Nations, and TED speaker. She has invented a unique sound: a revolutionary fusion of classical, Hip-Hop, and dance music, recognized as a music trendsetter and musical pioneer.
This classically trained violinist, who once studied under the late classical master Isaac Stern, has helped sell millions of records by collaborating with other Grammy Award Winning artists such as Jay Z, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Twista, Wynton Marsalis, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, Akon, Patti Labelle, Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, John Legend, Aventura, Fetty Wap, Diamond Platnumz, Kenny G, and Armin Van Buuren.
Her album "The Hip Hop Violinist"/ Universal Records features many of her collaborations.
Winning a Grammy in Hip-Hop
Miri Ben-Ari is the only violinist to win a Grammy in the Hip Hop category, the only violinist to become an Apollo Legend, and the first to be featured in many popular hip-hop, Latin, EDM, and Afrobeat songs. Miri’s music production could be heard in over 100 hit songs and received dozens of awards. Since Miri Ben-Ari stepped onto the Apollo stage in 2001 and introduced her new music subgenre to the world: “The Hip-Hop Violinist,” she was featured in many commercial songs in different musical genres: “Overnight Celebrity” (Twista), “Jesus Walks” (Kanye West), “Live it Up” (John Legend), “Intense” (Armin Van Buuren), Jose (Aventura), Baila (Diamond Platnumz) “Symphony of Brotherhood Rise” (Dr. King/Flo Rida) and “Love Duet” (Kenny G). Her sponsorship deals and campaigns include companies like Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Reebok, and Harman Kardon.
Performing at The White House
When First Lady Michelle Obama watched Miri Ben-Ari’s song “Symphony of Brotherhood” ft Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on YouTube, she fell in love with the song and its message. Miri was invited to perform at the White House and receive the “Remarkable Woman” award. Activist Al Sharpton and Israeli President Shimon Peres also awarded this song. She later released “Symphony of Brotherhood Rise” with superstar rapper Flo Rida featuring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. The song was included in Spotify's MLK playlist.
Awards
Among her accolades are the Grammy Award for “Best Rap Song”, an “Apollo Legend” by the Apollo theater in New York City, “International Jewish Woman to Watch”, the “Martin Luther King Award” from Israeli President Shimon Peres, “Remarkable Woman” by First Lady, Michelle Obama, “Girl Up Advocate Award” from the United Nations Foundation, the “Ellis Island Medal of Honor” by Neco and the “Making a Difference Award” by the Anti Defamation League (ADL).
Career Pathways Program for High School Students
Symphony of Brotherhood
Symphony of Brotherhood is an award-winning educational initiative founded by Grammy Award-winning violinist, entrepreneur, and educator Miri Ben-Ari. Through immersive live performances, interactive technology, and inspiring conversations with leaders across music, business, and innovation, the program empowers high school students to think creatively, explore future career pathways, and discover the connection between music, technology, and human potential. Presented in partnership with educational and community organizations, Symphony of Brotherhood has reached hundreds of students across New York and New Jersey, creating measurable, engaging experiences that inspire the next generation to lead with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.