David Zinman

David Zinman (born July 9, 1936) is an American conductor and violinist renowned for his extensive career spanning over six decades, during which he held principal positions with prestigious orchestras such as the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich.

Born in New York City, Zinman began his musical training as a violinist at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music before studying theory and composition at the University of Minnesota, where he later received an honorary doctorate. His conducting career launched in 1961 when he substituted for an ailing colleague at the Holland Festival, leading the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra to critical acclaim and subsequently serving as its music director from 1964 to 1977. Over the following decades, he expanded his influence across both American and European ensembles, including as music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra from 1974 to 1985, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 1979 to 1982, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 1985 to 1998, where he elevated the ensemble's international profile through innovative programming and tours.