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 2023-2024 season promises to be a pivotal year for Dorman. In February 2024, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yoel Levi, will present the Israeli premiere of "Dialogues of Love," a 45-minute symphony. The season is marked by several world premieres, among them "Mazurka" featuring Anna Kijanowska in September 2023 and the release of "Three Butterfly Songs" featuring Dawn Upshaw and Bridget Kibbey in October. December will see the premiere of "Rhapsody on Diwan Songs" by the Gambelin duo, followed by a piece for Domra Solo by Ekaterina Sklar in April 2024. Two compositions will premiere in June 2024: one for Guitar and Vibraphone by Vivi Vassileva and Lucas Campara Diniz and another for mandolin and guitar by Duo Mantar. As part of his commitment to pedagogical music, Dorman's "Dragonfly's Journey" will be featured at the Midwest Clinic by the Jasper High School Orchestra conducted by Matthew Moreno. Additionally, Dorman will premiere a new piece for string orchestra titled “Miriam Danced by the Red Sea” with the Adams County Orchestra in November, which he will also conduct. Other performances include a U.S. and Japan tour of "Nigunim" by Gil Shaham and Akira Eguchi and performances of "How to Love" by Jason Vieaux with the Columbus Symphony and Bluewater Chamber Orchestra.
Throughout the season, Dorman’s works continue to be performed by prominent orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists around the world. Dorman’s percussion concerto Frozen in Time receives performances in Germany, Belgium, and Austria; his Mandolin Concerto is featured in a US tour by Avi Avital and The Academy of St. Martin’s in the Fields as well as at the Toronto Symphony; Astrolatry receives repeat performances by the Alabama Symphony; After Brahms by the Chatanooga Symphony; and Ensemble 4.1 continues to tour Jerusalem Mix.
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 Grammophone, 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.