Violin professor shapes global musical talent

Dmitri Berlinsky has performed with some of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras and given master classes all around the globe. He’s won international violin competitions. He’s studied under and collaborated with influential musicians at prestigious institutions, such as the Moscow Conservatory and the Juilliard School.

These achievements reflect Berlinsky’s career as a performer, which remains active. But for the last 25 years, the bulk of Berlinsky’s time has been spent mentoring aspiring musicians as a professor of violin and artist teacher in Michigan State University’s College of Music.

Shortly after arriving at MSU in 2001, Berlinsky established the International Chamber Soloists, or ICS, comprised of string musicians who hail from all over the globe. The group has performed across the U.S. and traveled internationally for festivals, including to Canada and Mexico. They’ve been joined by members of the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

At the Dec. 12 Board of Trustees meeting, ICS will perform “Summer “ from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” a piece Berlinsky said makes him feel connected with MSU and brings back fond memories of all his years with the ensemble.

“This piece in particular brings back many memories connected with MSU. I’ve played it in different places, but most often at MSU for different kinds of events. We performed it for capital campaigns, galas, fundraisers and the groundbreaking for the College of Music’s Billman Music Pavilion in 2018,” Berlinsky said. “I think “The Four Seasons” is one of the most recognizable and performed classical musical compositions, and it’s appealing to all kinds of audiences.”

A native of Russia and a chamber musician himself, Berlinsky long dreamed of establishing an international ensemble.

“I thought it would be very special and beneficial to put a group of students together and perform with them,” he said. “ICS members all come from different cultures and backgrounds, but music is our common language. We bond through the experience of practicing, playing and working together.”

Berlinsky said investments in groups such as ICS, in master classes such as his Dorothy DeLay Masterclass Series — named after the MSU alumna and renown violinist who was Belinsky's teacher at Juilliard — and improved facilities have continued to draw talented young musicians to MSU.

“The College of Music has become one of the most important colleges at MSU,” he said. “More of our alumni are represented in all different kinds of places in the United States and abroad. I think our college is very visible among the most important music schools, which really speaks to how diligently our faculty and administration worked — and continue to work — to build top-tier programs.”

Berlinsky’s students are indeed represented in important places: They have won international competitions and assumed positions in orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony.

Seeing his students go on to achieve their goals is rewarding, but the most magical part for Berlinsky as a teacher is watching his students evolve as artists.

“I actually learn something from listening to my students as a listener — not as a teacher. I hear the new, fresh ideas they develop and watch them grow creatively,” he said. “This is a very important level of artistry and exchange of musical ideas, and when I hear it from my students, I feel incredibly overwhelmed and happy for them. I’m just glad to be part of their development and that process.”

Berlinsky said seeing students come from around the world to grow within a supportive musical community — both on campus and in the surrounding area — brings him joy,

“The fact that so many talented people are coming from all over the world to study at MSU speaks to what this university offers. I can feel that the College of Music and ICS have really grown into something and that the college, university and greater community support our art. It makes me feel happy to know that I helped contribute to building something special.”