Grammy-winning violinist and music tech entrepreneur Miri Ben-Ari says the role of music as a force for connection and healing has become even more important in the aftermath of October 7 and the global rise in antisemitism.
Speaking to ynet Global ahead of her upcoming appearance opening the Cannes Film Festival next week, Ben-Ari reflected on a career that has spanned collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, historic performances on global stages and, more recently, growing efforts in music technology and entrepreneurship.
Interview with Miri Ben-Ari
“I’m beyond excited,” Ben-Ari said of the Cannes appearance. “I cannot believe this is another climax of my career after everything I’ve been humbled to become part of in the music world.”
The Israeli-born violinist recently became the first recording artist and first violinist to headline the NBA Finals halftime show during Game 7 between Oklahoma City and Indiana, a milestone she described as one of the defining moments of her career, alongside winning a Grammy and collaborating with artists including Alicia Keys, Maroon 5 and leading hip-hop performers.
“I’m a proud Israeli, and this is part of who I am,” she said.
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Grammy-winning violinist and music tech entrepreneur Miri Ben-Ari headlines the NBA Finals halftime show
(Photo: NBA)
4 View gallery
Grammy-winning violinist and music tech entrepreneur Miri Ben-Ari headlines the NBA Finals halftime show
(Photo: NBA)
Ben-Ari said that identity has taken on additional weight since the October 7 attacks and the surge in antisemitism felt by Jewish communities worldwide.
“October 7 impacted Israelis and the Jewish community all over the world,” she said. “The rise of antisemitism is through the roof. It’s a very challenging reality that we’re all dealing with.”
Despite the tensions surrounding Israel internationally, Ben-Ari said she has continued to feel embraced within the hip-hop community where she built much of her career. “The hip-hop community has always embraced me for who I am,” she said. “Music is here to heal, to bridge and to bring people together.”
Over the past year, she said, she has continued producing and collaborating with major artists while developing new talent. Ben-Ari recently signed a new artist, Narco Juliet, and is preparing upcoming releases involving rappers Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely.
“We keep creating,” she said. “This is our triumph, to keep creating.”
Asked about her past work with Kanye West, who in recent years drew widespread condemnation for antisemitic remarks, Ben-Ari said she has not remained in contact with the rapper but expressed hope that his public messaging continues moving in a more positive direction. “I hope he keeps going in this direction,” she said. “I pray for him and for everyone around him that his message is going to bring light to the world.”
Alongside her music career, Ben-Ari is also focused on Music X, the music technology startup she co-founded with her cousin Aaron Rosano. She described the company as her main focus today, calling it part of a broader effort to bring innovation and evolution into the music industry. “We’re pushing very hard and doing very well,” she said.
Even with her growing entrepreneurial role, Ben-Ari says performing remains central to her life. Following Cannes, she is scheduled to perform with the Los Angeles Lakers as part of an ongoing international performance schedule. “It’s nonstop,” she said. “But I’m very excited to keep pushing the space.”