Contributed
An evening of great music featuring guest violinist Kelly Hall-Tomkins
Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 3 PM
Mayerson Theater, School for Creative and Performing Arts
108 West Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Tickets: bcbscholarship.org
On Sunday, January 19, renowned violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins will perform on behalf of the Ben Carlson-Berne (BCB) Scholarship Fund in support of classical music education for Cincinnati’s youth.
This one-time performance will begin at 3 PM in the Mayerson Theater at the School for Creative & Performing Arts and is open to the public. The BCB Scholarship Fund serves underserved and economically disadvantaged young musicians in Cincinnati.
“I am so honored to be this year’s featured soloist for the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund Concert, Ms. Hall-Tompkins said. “Like me, Ben enjoyed bringing music to those who would not otherwise have access to it, so I am thrilled to perform a BCB recital in his memory and the furtherance of his eponymous scholarship fund, to join the other great artists who have served this noble cause.”
Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins has played with prestigious musicians, symphonies, and orchestras all over the world. In 2017, The New York Times named her “New Yorker of the Year” and described her as “the versatile violinist who makes the music come alive.” For the years she played “Fiddler” violin soloist in the Grammy/Tony nominated Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” she performed numerous solos written especially for her. In addition to receiving a Naumburg International Violin Competition Honorarium Prize, a Concert Artists Guild Career Grant, and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, Ms. Hall-Tompkins is also featured in the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History.
Ms. Hall-Tompkins is not only an acclaimed soloist and chamber musician but also an innovative entrepreneur and social justice pioneer. As founder of Music Kitchen-Food for the Soul, Kelly Hall- Tompkins is a pioneer of social justice in classical music, bringing top artists in over 100 concerts at shelters to 18,000 people experiencing homelessness from New York to Los Angeles, and in Paris, France.
Ms. Hall-Tompkins concert in Cincinnati in January is a benefit for the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund. Since 2004, the BCB Fund has helped provide instruments and lessons with premier, private instructors to underserved and economically disadvantaged Cincinnati Public School (CPS) students with an interest in classical music. To date, the fund has provided 350 lesson years to 131 youth.
Susan Carlson and Phil Berne named the fund after their son Ben. At sixteen, after learning of youth who had little to no exposure to classical music and could not afford lessons, Ben began exposing economically disadvantaged children to classical music, locating instruments for them,and providing music lessons. Just as his efforts caught on and his influence grew, Ben’s life was cut short at the age of 19 in a tragic hiking accident. For more than 20 years, his parents have continued his mission through the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund.
“It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since we began this journey to invest in Cincinnati’s future,” Susan Carlson said. “Because of Ben, his love for classical music, and his strong belief that no one should be excluded from any opportunity, we are honored to help provide the highest quality private music lessons for underserved youth in Cincinnati.”
The fund builds strong mentorship between students and tutors over many years. When a student receives a scholarship, they may extend it throughout middle school and high school. What makes the BCB fund unique is that it is not talent based but based upon interest and need— they serve students of all levels of ability. The fund has helped many students, like Ana Garay, follow their dreams.
“The Ben Carlson-Berne Fund has supported me both financially and personally on my path as a violinist, Garay said. “I feel valued, encouraged, and seen as a student.”
The Hall-Tompkins concert is sponsored by: The Jack and Joanne Lindy Charitable Trust, The
Friedlander Family Fund, Ed and Judy Berne, The Rita S. Metcalfe Foundation, Sara and Scott Fisher and Family, Andrew Ulmer and Bobbie McTurner, Ann and Harry Santen, and Jean Feinberg. Cincinnati Public Radio is the media partner.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the BCB Scholarship Fund.
Purchase tickets at bcbscholarship.org.