Avner Dorman writes music of intricate craftsmanship and rigorous technique, expressed with a soulful and singular voice. A native of Israel now living in the United States, Dorman draws on various cultural and historical influences in composing, resulting in music that affects an emotional impact while exploring new territories. His music utilizes an exciting and complex rhythmic vocabulary, as well as unique timbres and colors in orchestral, chamber, and solo settings; many of his compositions have become contemporary staples in the repertoire.
Dorman's music is championed by renowned conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Christoph Eschenbach, Ricardo Chailly, and Andris Nelsons, and soloists such as Pinchas Zukerman, Gil Shaham, Martin Grubinger, and Hilary Hahn. His music has been commissioned and performed by some of the world's leading orchestras, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony.
The 2024-2025 season promises to be a remarkable one for Dorman's music. In May 2025, the world premiere of his Concerto for Two Violins and Strings will be performed by Gil Shaham, Adele Anthony, and the Santa Barbara Symphony conducted by Nir Kabaretti. This piece will also be featured in July at the Aspen Music Festival. January 2025 will see the world premiere of "In Flux," a concerto for percussion trio and orchestra, performed by Trio Colores and the Braunschweig Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Dorman’s opera "Die Kinder Des Sultans" will be revived at the Dortmund Opera. The season also includes the Israeli premiere of his "Concerto for Mandolin, Guitar, and Orchestra" in September, performed by Duo Mantar and the Jerusalem Symphony conducted by Omer Wellber.
The UK premiere of Dorman's opera "Wahnfried" will take place at the Longborough Festival in early summer 2025, directed by Polly Graham and conducted by Justin Brown who commissioned the piece during his tenure as general music director of the Badische Staatstheater Karlsruhe. During the season, a new set of piano variations will be premiered by Mackenzie Melemed, and a new orchestral piece for young musicians will premiere at Dallastown High School in April 2025. The West Coast premiere of "Eternal Rhythm" featuring Simone Rubino with the Monterey Symphony conducted by Jayce Ogren is also scheduled. On the heels of the success of his choral symphony "Dialogues of Love" with Yoel Levi and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Levi will conduct the Israeli premiere of "Tanyaderas" in September 2024. "Tanyaderas" will also be performed in Harrisburg, PA, and Greenwich, CT, conducted by Stuart Malina. Dorman’s Piccolo Concerto returns to the Israel Camerata in May 2025 for five concerts.
Throughout the season, Dorman's works continue to be performed by prominent orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists worldwide. These include his popular percussion concertos "Frozen in Time" and "Spices, Perfumes, Toxins!," as well as acclaimed works such as the Mandolin Concerto and Violin Concerto "Nigunim." Recent works for saxophone, including "Vocalise" for saxophone and piano, "Kedma" for saxophone quartet, and “Suite for Solo Saxophone”, will receive multiple performances, as will "Child's Play" for vibraphone and guitar and “Many Waters” for Mandolin and Guitar.
Dorman's music has garnered numerous awards and prizes, including Israel's prestigious Prime Minister's Award for his Ellef Symphony, and international awards from ASCAP, ACUM, and the Asian Composers League. His music is available on Naxos, Deutsche Grammophon, Canary Classics, and other labels. Dorman studied composition with John Corigliano and Josef Bardanashvili, and he holds a doctorate in composition from the Juilliard School. Dorman currently serves as Associate Professor of Music Theory and Composition at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College.