As he sits smiling and joking with his legs crossed casually at his desk, it can be easy to forget for a moment that AU’s assistant professor in the Department of Performing Arts Yaniv Dinur is quite literally a world-class orchestral conductor.
In 2012, Dinur was invited to become AU’s Director of Orchestral Activities. Since his arrival at the University, he has pushed Symphony Orchestra members and non-music majors alike to consider the roles of classical music in art, contemporary culture and all aspects of life.
Since beginning his career at 19, he won numerous conducting awards and received international acclaim for his work with orchestras in Israel, Portugal, Italy, Russia and the United States.
While serving in the Israeli Army’s Excellent Musicians Unit, Dinur was inspired to travel by Irish author Niall Williams’ descriptions of Ireland. His desire to visit Ireland and passion for music brought him to a conducting masterclass in Dublin, after which he was invited to return a year later and conduct the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland.
Dinur’s return to Dublin, upon which he wrote to Williams inviting him to the performance, is among his favorite career memories. Despite being abroad and unable to attend Dinur’s concert, the author wrote back congratulating the young conductor.
“He was happy that Dublin had been so successful for me,” Dinur said. “He ended the email by saying ‘There are no coincidences,’ and that was something very strong for me.”
After two years at AU, Dinur has brought not only his considerable experience, but also a genuine passion for music to the University.
The program AU Symphony Orchestra will present on Feb. 22-23 features three works, one of which is by contemporary Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. “Cantus Articus: Concerto for Birds and Orchestra” features recordings of birds which are accompanied by the orchestra itself.
“It’s really beautiful music by a living composer,” he says, “and that’s important, I think, for orchestras to play contemporary music by living composers.”
The program also featured Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, as well as music from Handel’s “The Alchemist.”
“I wanted to push the orchestra with this program,” Dinur said. “Working on these pieces requires very specific styles of playing that really advances the unity of the group as a whole.”
In only two years, Dinur has been successful not only in advancing AU orchestral programs themselves, but also in strengthening its relationships with other arts programs in the University. The Handel piece featured in this weekend’s program was initially performed by the AU Chamber Orchestra last weekend. The smaller group, which Dinur established upon his arrival at AU, collaborated with the University’s theater department for their performance of “The Alchemist.”
“I’m really happy we got the chance to work together this year,” Dinur said. “It hadn’t been done much in recent years, but it was a really interesting, new experience for everybody and I hope we get to do that more in the future.”
More than just a talented conductor, Dinur is a passionate teacher whose genuine love for his work makes him a truly unique addition to the university.
“I always loved teaching,” Dinur says, “so it’s been very natural for me here at the university.”
Dinur and the AU Symphony Orchestra will showcase their work on Feb. 28 at 8p.m. in the Abramson Family Recital Hall in Katzen Arts Center. Admission is $10 for AU students.
