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

Rick Benjamin. (credit: Julie Hagenbuch)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Benjamin conducting at Ravinia.

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

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

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")