Avner Dorman (seated) and
Percadu (Adi Morag, left; Tomer Yariv, right)
Photo Credit: G. Schirmer Archives
WebNote: Composer video interviewAvner Dorman and Zubin Mehta chat about Spices, Perfumes, Toxins!(3:18)
WebNote: Composer audio interviewNational Public Radio's Scott Simon interviews Dorman on NPR's Weekend Edition.
Listen to the entire interview.
Dorman Debut: New York Philharmonic
At only 33, Avner Dorman has heard his music performed across the globe from Europe to the Middle East to Japan, and in New York City no less than 30 times. Even with all of this success, March 18 marks a significant milestone in Dorman's career: his New York Philharmonic debut. Conductor Zubin Mehta and the Israeli percussion duo, PercaDu join this venerable orchestra to present the US premiere of Dorman's duo percussion concerto, Spices, Perfumes, Toxins!.
Originally written for Mr. Mehta, PercaDu (Tomer Yariv and Adi Morag) and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Spices, Perfumes, Toxins! has received standing ovations from audiences across Europe with its rigorous mix of classical technique and a free-spirited abandon usually associated with jazz and rock.
In the piece, Dorman explores the dangers and delights — via a rhythmic fusion of rock drums, Middle Eastern and standard orchestral percussion — of three substances known for their volatile effect on the human spirit. Spices delight the palate, but can cause illness; perfumes seduce, but can also betray; toxins bring ecstasy, but can be deadly.
A protégé of both John Corigliano and Zubin Mehta, Dorman has become known for sophisticated compositions marked by creative rhythm and timbre that resonate with a broad array of musical traditions. Corigliano sums up Dorman's accomplishments with these words: "In an age where most composers choose the safe road of emotional sterility, Avner Dorman is unafraid to move us. His charged music is technically brilliant and intellectually honest. And, most of all, has something to say."
Equally exciting for Dorman is the US premiere of his second Violin Sonata by up and coming star, Sayaka Shoji along with pianist Julien Quentin at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall on April 6. In addition, on March 15, pianist Eliran Avni presents the world premiere of For Jenny in New York's Merkin Concert Hall.
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