Yaniv Dinur: How an Innovative Conductor is Transforming Classical Music with Inclusivity and Heartfelt Performances
Yaniv Dinur
Yaniv Dinur’s path to becoming a successful conductor has been anything but conventional. From his roots in Israel to his current role as the Music Director of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, Dinur’s career has been shaped by a series of seemingly random opportunities and deep artistic influences. Today, he balances life as a conductor and pianist, living in Milwaukee, where he spent eight years as the Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
One of the key moments in Dinur’s career came in the most unexpected of places—Dublin, Ireland. In what he describes as a “random” decision, Dinur attended a summer conducting course in Dublin, drawn to the country after reading Niall Williams’s Four Letters of Love, which sparked his curiosity about Ireland. Little did he know that this trip would mark a turning point. After conducting the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland at the course’s conclusion, Dinur was invited back for a full concert, opening doors to further opportunities in Israel and Europe. “That was really the amazing break for me,” he reflects, acknowledging how a simple choice led to a major career development.
Dinur’s musical influences are as varied as his career path. He credits Daniel Barenboim as one of his greatest inspirations, having grown up on Barenboim’s recordings as both a pianist and conductor. Dinur had the chance to observe Barenboim at La Scala in Milan, where the legendary conductor was rehearsing Beethoven symphonies and Wagner’s Ring cycle. “Watching him in rehearsal blew my mind,” Dinur recalls. The knowledge, precision, and attention to detail that Barenboim exhibited left a lasting impact on Dinur, who strives to bring that same level of excellence to his own work.
Among the many memorable performances Dinur has conducted, two stand out. The first was with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where Dinur led a special concert designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Understanding that traditional concerts can be overwhelming for children with sensory issues, Dinur and his team created an inclusive environment by providing noise-canceling headphones, eliminating applause, and encouraging movement. Dinur recounts how the performance of John Williams’s Star Wars theme, a particularly loud and grand piece, ended in an extraordinary moment of silence, followed by the children enthusiastically waving their hands instead of clapping. “It was incredible,” Dinur says, reflecting on the power of music to reach audiences in unexpected ways.
The second unforgettable experience came during a performance of Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, which Dinur performed with fellow musicians from the Milwaukee Symphony. The quartet, known for its spiritual depth, left both the performers and the audience deeply moved. “After the performance, we all had tears in our eyes,” Dinur recalls. “It’s rare that the performers themselves feel so transformed by the music they’re playing.” For Dinur, moments like these reaffirm the power of music to transcend mere technicality and touch the soul.
Looking ahead, Dinur’s upcoming season with the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra promises to be just as dynamic and diverse. One particularly exciting program pairs Bach with Astor Piazzolla, a combination that highlights both the contrast and the surprising similarities between the two composers. While their music is separated by hundreds of years, both composers wrote dance music and were masters of counterpoint. “It’s a cool combination,” Dinur says. “I love the contrast between Bach’s seriousness and Piazzolla’s tango rhythms, but they have more in common than people think.”
In addition to his orchestral work, Dinur has a deep love for chamber music and often collaborates with musicians in more intimate settings. He also cherishes his role as a pianist and recently began playing the piano again after taking a two-year break. “Piano was my first love,” Dinur shares, explaining his desire to continue performing piano concertos and expanding his repertoire.
One of the standout initiatives under Dinur’s leadership at the New Bedford Symphony is the Symphony on Tap series. Held in a cool, industrial venue called Kilburn Mill, this concert series brings classical music to a club-like atmosphere, with no seating and plenty of drinks and appetizers. The idea is to break down the formal barriers of traditional concerts, allowing the audience to stand close to the musicians and feel the energy up close. The success of Symphony on Tap has helped attract new, younger audiences to the symphony. “People love it, and the orchestra loves it because they can feel the audience’s enthusiasm right next to them,” Dinur says.
Dinur is also passionate about the symphony’s educational outreach efforts, which aim to connect with young students and their families. By offering free tickets to parents of students involved in their educational programs, Dinur hopes to build a lifelong connection to classical music in the community. “We reach new audiences through education, and it’s amazing to see how excited the kids are about the music,” he shares.
When asked about his definition of success, Dinur’s response reflects his grounded and balanced approach to life. “I used to think success meant being famous, performing all over the world, and having a packed schedule,” he admits. “But now, success to me is being happy and finding balance.” With two young daughters and a supportive family, Dinur is grateful for the opportunity to pursue his musical passions while also being present at home. “I’m lucky to do what I love and still spend time with my family—that’s what success looks like to me.”
In addition to conducting and playing the piano, Dinur also has a love for spy movies, joking that if he weren’t a musician, he might have become an author or even a spy like James Bond. But for now, Dinur’s focus remains on bringing people together through music, finding joy in every performance, and continuing to push the boundaries of what a symphony can offer to its community.
With an eclectic upcoming season, continued educational outreach, and a commitment to inclusivity, Yaniv Dinur’s career is defined not just by musical excellence but by his dedication to making classical music accessible and transformative for all.
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