Role

:

Conductor

 

Dianne Berkun Menaker is a renowned conductor and music educator who has made significant contributions to the classical music world. Born in New York City, Menaker grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a violinist and her mother was a pianist, and they encouraged her to pursue music as a career. Menaker began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano and violin. She later attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she focused on violin performance. After high school, Menaker attended the Juilliard School, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance. While at Juilliard, Menaker discovered her passion for conducting and began studying with renowned conductor Otto-Werner Mueller. She went on to earn a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from the Manhattan School of Music. Menaker's career as a conductor began in the early 1990s, when she founded the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra in New York City. She served as the orchestra's music director and conductor for over a decade, leading the ensemble in numerous performances of classical and contemporary repertoire. In addition to her work with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, Menaker has conducted numerous other orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States and abroad. She has served as a guest conductor for the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Menaker has also been a dedicated music educator throughout her career. She has taught conducting at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Bard College Conservatory of Music. She has also served as the director of orchestras at the Brearley School in New York City and the Dalton School in New York City. In recognition of her contributions to the classical music world, Menaker has received numerous awards and honors. She was named a Leonard Bernstein Scholar at the Tanglewood Music Center and a Conducting Fellow at the Aspen Music Festival. She has also been awarded the Bruno Walter Memorial Scholarship and the Herbert von Karajan Fellowship. Menaker's conducting style is characterized by her attention to detail and her ability to bring out the nuances of a piece of music. She is known for her ability to connect with musicians and audiences alike, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose in her performances. Throughout her career, Menaker has been a passionate advocate for classical music and its importance in our society. She has spoken out about the need for music education in schools and the importance of supporting young musicians. She has also been a vocal supporter of new music and has commissioned and premiered numerous works by contemporary composers. Today, Menaker continues to be an active conductor and music educator. She serves as the artistic director and conductor of the Riverside Symphony in New York City and is a sought-after guest conductor for orchestras and ensembles around the world. She also continues to teach conducting and mentor young musicians, passing on her knowledge and passion for classical music to the next generation.

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