Tallahassee Symphony Selects Yaniv Dinur as Music Director

Marina Brown | Tallahassee Democrat correspondent

For the past year, Tallahassee has been fielding candidates for a sought-after post that will affect the musical and community tenor of life in Florida’s capital city.

The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra held auditions and interviews, and collected audience commentaries and musician input that would help in selecting its new conductor. And now, the Board of the TSO, its players, donors, and the public have determined the winner.

And it is, ladies and gentlemen, Maestro Yaniv Dinur, a Jerusalem-born conductor who led the season finale concert on May 3. He was selected out of the five finalists for his “stellar musicianship, ability to connect with the audience in-person and from the stage, and his vision of how to lead the orchestra into its next chapter,” according to the TSO.

The Music Director Search Committee announced the appointment at a Friday, May 16, luncheon for the TSO Board, donors, and orchestra musicians at the Tallahassee Garden Center.

"I have greatly admired Yaniv's immense, very special talent since the first time I saw him conduct over a decade ago," Symphony CEO Amanda Stringer said. "I couldn't be more thrilled to have him share his artistry, creativity, commitment to education programs, and warmth with audiences in Tallahassee."

And how did Dinur feel when the call came through?

“I was still on a high from conducting the Tallahassee Symphony a few nights before! My initial reaction was, 'Whoa!' The TSO is a special group," Dinur said. "They play with power and sensitivity, and they are enveloped in a community that loves and cares for the orchestra."

Audience participation

Audience surveys seemed to agree with the choice.

"I loved this conductor's interpretation of the music. Please, hire him!"

"That was the most compelling performance of the Tchaikovsky Symphony I have ever heard! Bravo!!"

"The Maestro has a captivating, charming, and funny personality"

Given that the commitment between a conductor, the orchestra they lead, and the public who will support them requires time, devotion, and yes, money, the choice of a maestro is taken as seriously as a marriage — with similar exploration and consideration.

The TSO had begun the search process for its next Music Director and Conductor in Spring, 2023 when Maestro Darko Butorac completed his 11-year tenure.

That process was facilitated by respected consultant Henry Fogel, formerly Chief Executive of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Vice-President of the New York Philharmonic, and CEO of the League of American Orchestras. A Music Director Search Committee was selected from TSO Board members, musicians, and community stakeholders.

They created a description of the needs and expectations for the next conductor which was publicized in the symphonic world. And the applications flowed in. The list was narrowed from 159 responses to 80, 40, 13, and finally the five finalists after viewing conducting videos and holding interviews with the applicants.

The final five were invited to create a program to perform with the orchestra as part of the 2024/25 concert season. Each chose the music and the guest artists they felt would best represent the type of concert experience they would bring to the TSO audience. Throughout 2024/25, each TSO concert bore the “identity” of its conductor applicant.

Dinur is the Music Director of the New Bedford (Mass.) Symphony Orchestra, and formerly Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony from 2015-2023.

Dinur does not plan to move to Tallahassee but will divide his time, continuing with the New Bedford Symphony and adding the Music Director and Conductor of TSO position to his duties.

During his time in Milwaukee, he conducted 372 concerts, including 144 performances for youth and children. Recognizing his leadership and impact, the Milwaukee Business Journal chose him as a “40 Under 40” honoree, an award for young professionals making a difference in the community.

A married father of two young daughters, Dinur is known for his dry humor and engagement with the audience before performances.

He is also an accomplished pianist who began studying piano at age 6 with his aunt, Olga Shachar, and a series of Israeli piano masters. He studied conducting in Israel with Dr. Evgeny Zirlin and professor Mendi Rodan, and holds a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Yaniv established a Chamber Music series at the Villa Terrace Museum in Milwaukee where he performs with musicians from the Milwaukee Symphony.

He is a winner of numerous awards, among them the 2017 and 2016 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards, 2nd Prize at the 2009 Mata International Conducting Competition in Mexico, and the Yuri Ahronovitch 1st Prize in the 2005 Aviv Conducting Competition in Israel.

'Excited to collaborate'

Deb Bish, TSO’s Principal Clarinetist and Search Committee member, seems to reflect the general enthusiasm of both the orchestra and those who have heard him conduct.

“I am inspired by Yaniv’s musicianship, devotion to his art, and desire to connect with the community in Tallahassee," Bish said. "I am excited to collaborate with him and so looking forward to what the next chapter holds!”

Dinur expresses excitement as well.

"I can’t wait to start our new relationship and see where it takes us! I’m also looking forward to Florida weather and green trees throughout the year. And alligators!”

Green trees are good. Welcome, Yaniv Dinur!