Today we’d like to introduce you to Avner Dorman.
Hi Avner, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a composer, conductor, and educator. Like many in my field, my journey began with composing music during childhood and studying piano. Born and raised in Israel, I attended a specialized arts high school and subsequently served as an arranger for the chamber orchestra and various pop groups in the army. My academic pursuit continued in Israel, where I completed my undergraduate and master’s studies. Later, I moved to the United States to complete my doctoral studies at Juilliard.
Although I have never resided in Ohio, my professional journey led me to begin working with the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra in 2013. My initial involvement with the orchestra was through narrating a children’s piece that I had written, which they performed at complimentary concerts for the community. I was then invited to take up the role of music director, a position I held until 2019. During my tenure, I conducted numerous concerts, curated an array of programs, and collaborated extensively with soloists, local patrons, community groups, schools, and other educational institutions.
During this time, I also had the opportunity to compose a piece for the Cleveland Orchestra, and my music was performed by several other ensembles in the region. More recently, I have been collaborating with Jason Vieaux, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist based in Cleveland. In the upcoming season, he will be performing my guitar concerto, “How to Love,” in both Columbus and Cleveland. Thus, my professional contributions and engagement in Ohio continue to flourish.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Comparatively speaking, my journey has been less turbulent than those of many others in my field. However, I believe every artist grapples at times with questions of identity, the intricacies of the craft, and the inherent challenges of working in the arts – a realm often characterized by limited resources and stiff competition.
Nevertheless, the rewards of pursuing my passion and creating a body of work that continues to resonate for decades, performed in various corners of the globe, are truly remarkable.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Primarily, I’m known as a composer of concert music, which spans across genres such as orchestral, chamber, opera, film, and educational works.
I have carved a niche for myself in the field of orchestral writing, with a special emphasis on compositions for percussion and orchestra. My concertos for percussion and orchestra have been performed by some of the world’s finest orchestras and soloists.
In addition, I’ve had the privilege to write for leading violin virtuosos such as Gil Shaham, Pinchas Zukerman, and Hilary Hahn. Alongside this, my repertoire includes numerous pieces composed for a variety of instruments and ensembles. I have also ventured into the realm of film scores, primarily collaborating with director Avi Nesher, and have penned several operas.
One aspect of my career that I take immense pride in is the longevity of my work. Many pieces I’ve composed continue to be performed and studied, even decades after their creation.
Furthermore, I have a strong commitment to education. I currently teach at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and regularly compose works tailored for students at different levels of musical study. As a conductor, I’ve devoted a substantial portion of my efforts to community and educational concerts, and I’m presently involved in creating many compositions intended for pedagogical use.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The landscape of music composition and the orchestral field is poised for significant transformation in the next 5-10 years. One of the most notable shifts is the increasing emphasis on diversity and social issues, both in terms of those working in the industry and the subjects explored in our compositions.
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on inclusivity, not only regarding the musicians performing but also the composers being played. We are seeing a drive towards the recognition and inclusion of more diverse voices, with particular attention given to underrepresented groups in the field.
Simultaneously, the themes within our compositions are also becoming more socially conscious. As composers, we’re leveraging our creative abilities to spotlight societal issues and in doing so, creating a platform for discourse and reflection.
Moreover, there is a rising emphasis on education and community outreach. This trend signifies a reimagining of the roles traditional institutions, like orchestras or opera houses, play in society. These entities are evolving beyond just being performance venues; they are increasingly viewed as agents of social change and community-focused organizations.
Furthermore, as music education continues to integrate technology, we will see the emergence of a generation of composers and musicians who are as fluent with digital tools as they are with traditional instruments. This familiarity will inevitably influence the types of compositions being created and how they are produced and performed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.avnerdormanmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avnerdormanmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avnerdormanmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_j8V-QVLEiurOkW_i2ULmw
