A scene from Rick Benjamin's acclaimed reconstruction of the Scott Joplin opera "Treemonisha."

Rick Benjamin conducts the recording of his reconstruction of the Scott Joplin opera "Treemonisha" for New World Records (credit: Edward Pleasant)

Rick Benjamin in rehearsal, 2019 (photo: Kurt Moses).

Rick Benjamin. (credit: Julie Hagenbuch)

Rick Benjamin at home with his 1881 Chickering grand piano and Scarlett. One of John Philip Sousa's conducting batons rests on the piano. (Credit: "Inside Pennsylvania")

Rick Benjamin conducts the Aalborg Symfoniorkester for a silent film event. (Credit: Orla Nielsen)

The Paul Taylor Dance Company's premiere of "Oh, You Kid!" at The Kennedy Center, musical direction and conducted by Rick Benjamin.

Rick Benjamin introduces an audience to the lost world of "sheet music"; 'cellist Alistair MacRae approves. (credit: Hiro Anuki)

Rick Benjamin conducts his reconstruction of the 1921 orchestral score for Buster Keaton's "ONE WEEK" in the historic Maryland Theatre. (Credit: Michael Harp/Maryland Symphony Orchestra)

Rick Benjamin conducting his PRO for a silent film in a historic theater. (credit: Tiffini Scott)

Mr. Benjamin conducting at Ravinia.

Mr. Benjamin conducting a recording session at the American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York. (credit: Peter Wiley)

Mr. Benjamin peruses a few of his orchestral discoveries. (credit: Fanfare magazine)

Rick Benjamin conducts for a silent feature film as part of his NEA-funded "Paragon LIVE! In Historic American Theaters" touring programs. (Credit: Clemens Center)