What’s New with Ben

“Music Appreciation” is a full-length musical theater piece about contemporary music education.

Inspired by the author’s experiences teaching at a community college in the Bronx, it dramatizes an educational situation in crisis. It looks at this situation unflinchingly but with humor, pathos, and affection for the people involved.

Presented on Sept. 23rd, 2024 at The Chain Theatre as part of the Spark Theatre Festival.

Declaration of Independence

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, composer Ben Yarmolinsky has set the entire text to be sung by five soloists and SATB chorus, with piano accompaniment.  

The piece is a half hour long and is in five movements:

  • 1. Opening

  • 2. Grievances 1-12

  • 3. Grievances 13-22

  • 4. Grievances 23-27

  • 5. Conclusion.

It is written in an 18th-century style modeled on Handel’s oratorios. There are arias, recitatives, choruses, a duet, an a cappella passage, a fugue, and instrumental interludes. While the five solo parts call for professional singers, the choral parts are suitable for a good community or college chorus. 

There are plans for orchestrated versions of the piece, for small ensemble, for full orchestra and for band. These and other combinations may be commissioned from the composer. 

For score rentals and more information: ben.yarmolinsky@gmail.com

Featuring: Lydia Saylor-soprano; Tess Klibanoff-mezzo-soprano; Blake Friedman-tenor; Michael Kelly-baritone; Blake Brooks-bass; with Bob Goldstone music director/pianist.

A New Yorker Abroad

In this collection of travel diaries from 2006-2018, the author writes about a Buddhist retreat in Western Massachusetts, a holiday in Costa Rica, a sojourn in Rome, and visits to many other places.

Available exclusively from the author. Not available on Amazon.