Dov Seltzer

Dov "Dubi" Seltzer (Hebrew: דב (דובי) זלצר ; born 26 January 1932) is a Romanian-born Israeli composer and conductor.

Seltzer was born and raised in Romania, where he began studying music at an early age. He received instruction in music theory and harmony from Alfred Mendelsohn and Mihail Jora. At the age of 15, he immigrated to Mandatory Palestine. A musical comedy he had composed prior to his emigration continued to be performed for two years by a professional youth theater in Bucharest. He completed his secondary education while living in Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek. On the recommendation of pianist Frank Pelleg, he was awarded a scholarship to pursue further musical studies at conservatories in Haifa and Tel Aviv-Jaffa.

At 18, Seltzer joined the Israel Defense Forces, where he became one of the founders and the first official composer of the Lehakat HaNahal military ensemble. His work with the ensemble and subsequent compositions became part of the core repertoire of Israeli music. He also performed as an accordionist and arranger for the Israeli musical group Oranim Zabar, and was married to its lead singer, Geula Gill.

During his military service, Seltzer received a special grant to study composition, harmony, and counterpoint with composers Herbert Brün, Mordechai Seter, and Abel Ehrlich.

Following his military service, Seltzer pursued advanced music education in the United States. He earned a diploma in composition from the Mannes College of Music and a Bachelor of Science degree in music, with a focus on conducting and composition, from the State University of New York. His instructors included Felix Salzer and Robert Starer. He has also stated that he attended the Juilliard School in New York City.

Following his return to Israel, Seltzer pursued a career in music with a focus on musical theater. He also composed scores for more than forty full-length feature films, including productions from Israel, the United States, Italy, Germany, and France.

Seltzer composed several symphonic works that were commissioned and performed by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. He also conducted both orchestras in performances of his own compositions, reportedly becoming the first Israeli composer to do so. His works have been performed by major Israeli orchestras, as well as by the New York Philharmonic, the Queens Symphony,[dubious – discuss] and the British Chamber Orchestra[dubious – discuss]. His compositions have been conducted and performed by artists including Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Yehudi Menuhin, and Yitzhak Perlman.

Seltzer has received multiple awards in recognition of his contributions to Israeli music. He is a two-time recipient of the Kinor David, and has been honored with the Judges' Award from the Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers in Israelfor lifetime achievement. In 2009, he was awarded the Israel Prize for lifetime achievement and his contribution to Israeli music.

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