Rodan joins Eastman conducting faculty

Rodan

I nternationally renowned conductor Mendi Rodan has been appointed professor of conducting and ensembles at the Eastman School, effective next month. Rodan is music director and chief conductor of the Israel Symphony Orchestra-Rishon Lezion, and "laureate conductor" of the Israel Sinfonietta.

Rodan has made concert tours in Europe, the Far East, Australia, South Africa, China, and the United States throughout his lengthy career. In recent years, he has appeared frequently as guest conductor with the Vienna Symphony, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Berlin Radio Symphony, and other leading orchestras. He has conducted orchestral recordings for several international companies and television stations, and is a judge in international competitions in composition and conducting. Rodan also is a member of the Council for Higher Education in Israel and professor of conducting at the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music.

"We are delighted to have Maestro Rodan join the Eastman faculty," said Director James Undercofler. "His wealth of knowledge and experience will build on our long-standing tradition of conducting education and superior student orchestral performance."

Born in Rumania, Rodan studied violin and conducting at the Music Academy in Bucharest with Constantin Silvestri, and subsequently served as permanent conductor of the Rumanian Radio-Television Orchestra until 1958. In 1961 he immigrated to Israel and made his debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra the following year. From 1963 to 1972 he served as chief conductor and music advisor of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and in 1965 founded the Jerusalem Chamber Orchestra. More recently he served as the associate conductor of the Israel Philharmonic.

Rodan is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Fr. Pelleg Prize from the Israel State Ministry of Education and Culture as the musician of the year in 1997. He also was awarded the "Medal of Distinction" of the Republic of Italy, conferred in recognition of his artistic achievements by the president of Italy.