Dmitri Berlinsky, a distinguished violinist and professor at Michigan State University (MSU), has dedicated over two decades to nurturing aspiring musicians. Since joining MSU in 2001, he has combined his extensive performance background with a commitment to education, shaping the future of global musical talent.
Berlinsky’s career as a performer includes collaborations with renowned orchestras and participation in prestigious competitions. He has studied at esteemed institutions like the Moscow Conservatory and the Juilliard School, earning accolades and respect in the classical music community. Yet, his primary focus has been mentoring students in MSU’s College of Music, where he serves as a professor of violin and an artist teacher.
Global Impact Through Music
In 2001, shortly after arriving at MSU, Berlinsky founded the International Chamber Soloists (ICS), a diverse ensemble of string musicians from around the world. The group has performed across the United States and participated in festivals in countries such as Canada and Mexico. ICS has collaborated with members from prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
At the upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on December 12, ICS is set to perform Vivaldi’s “Summer” from “The Four Seasons.” Berlinsky expressed how this piece resonates with his experiences at MSU, recalling fond memories associated with the ensemble. He stated, “This piece in particular brings back many memories connected with MSU. We performed it for capital campaigns, galas, fundraisers, and the groundbreaking for the College of Music’s Billman Music Pavilion in 2018.”
Berlinsky’s vision for ICS was to create a unique platform where students from varied cultural backgrounds could unite through music. He emphasized, “Music is our common language. We bond through the experience of practicing, playing, and working together.”
Fostering Artistic Growth
Berlinsky’s commitment to fostering musical talent extends beyond the ICS. His initiatives, including the Dorothy DeLay Masterclass Series, named after his teacher at Juilliard, have attracted talented young musicians to MSU. He noted, “The College of Music has become one of the most important colleges at MSU. More of our alumni are represented in all different kinds of places in the United States and abroad.”
The college’s reputation is bolstered by the success of its alumni, who have secured positions in prominent orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Symphony, with some achieving the rank of concertmaster. Berlinsky finds immense satisfaction in witnessing his students’ journeys, stating, “I actually learn something from listening to my students as a listener — not as a teacher.”
He highlighted the dynamic exchange of musical ideas that occurs in his classroom, describing it as a vital aspect of artistic development. “When I hear it from my students, I feel incredibly overwhelmed and happy for them,” he said.
Berlinsky also takes pride in the supportive musical community that MSU fosters. He remarked, “The fact that so many talented people are coming from all over the world to study at MSU speaks to what this university offers.” His efforts have contributed to the growth of both the College of Music and the ICS, creating a vibrant atmosphere for artistic exploration.
As Berlinsky continues to mentor the next generation of musicians, his impact on the MSU community and the broader music world remains profound. Through his dedication to teaching and performance, he embodies the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines the art of music.
