Full Biography

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 2025–2026 season brings major world and country premieres alongside performances across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Highlights include the world premiere of New Orleans Mix for piano and wind quintet by Ensemble 4.1 at the Harvard Musical Association (October 2025), and the world premiere of Dorman’s Inner Fire (Cello Concerto No. 2), written for Kristina Reiko Cooper and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. In Asia, Gil Shaham, Adele Anthony, and Sejong Soloists gave the Korean premiere of A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance in Seoul, while in Europe the Berlin Academy of American Music presented the Romanian premiere of Tanyaderas at the George Enescu Festival.

Other season highlights include Child’s Play in Göppingen, Germany; multiple European performances of In Flux (Trio Colores with the Jugendsinfonie Orchester Zürich) in Bremen, Potsdam, Berlin, and Zurich; Frozen in Time in Hamburg, Zagreb, Málaga, Salzburg, and again at the Elbphilharmonie in spring 2026; Udacrep Akubrad with the Wave Quartet in Magdeburg; and Spices, Perfumes, Toxins! in Vienna in a new two-pianos and percussion arrangement. In the United States, upcoming performances include Jerusalem Mix in Harrisburg, PA; Eternal Rhythm in New Bedford, MA; and the Rochester Philharmonic’s performances of A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance, featuring Gil Shaham and Adele Anthony under Andreas Delfs.

During the 2024–2025 season, Dorman’s music was heard worldwide in major premieres and revivals. These included the world premiere of In Flux by Trio Colores and the Braunschweig Symphony, the world premiere of A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance by Gil Shaham, Adele Anthony, and the Santa Barbara Symphony with Nir Kabaretti (later featured at the Aspen Music Festival), and the UK premiere of his opera Wahnfried at the Longborough Festival, which received rave reviews. Other highlights included the Israeli premiere of his Concerto for Mandolin, Guitar, and Orchestra, the return of Die Kinder Des Sultans to Dortmund Opera, and new works for piano and youth orchestra.

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.