Itay Talgam

Itay Talgam is an orchestral conductor whose skills extend beyond music to leadership in various sectors such as government, academia, business, and education. He is renowned for applying the principles of orchestral conducting to foster cooperation and create harmony in diverse fields. Talgam offers leadership training at Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities globally. His engagements include prestigious platforms like TED, Google’s Zeitgeist, and the World Economic Forum at Davos.

Talgam’s interactive presentations have reached millions, both in-person and online. His book, "The Ignorant Maestro," published in May 2015, explores themes of leadership and management through the lens of orchestral conducting. Talgam credits much of his approach and philosophy to his mentor, Leonard Bernstein. He debuted internationally in 1987, when Bernstein introduced him at a concert with the Orchestre de Paris. Talgam's career in Europe includes notable firsts such as conducting the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and the Leipzig Opera House. He has also led and recorded with all significant Israeli orchestras, such as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Israeli Opera, the Jerusalem Symphony, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra.

Born in Tel Aviv, Talgam received an Arts Diploma in conducting from the Jerusalem Rubin Academy and pursued further studies in France, Italy, and the United States. He holds a cum laude degree in General Philosophy from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Additionally, Talgam has contributed to academia as a lecturer at the Rubin Academy, Tel Aviv University, and the Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance. He is a fellow at the Mantle School for Educational Leadership in Jerusalem and the Israeli National Council for the Arts in the music section. His innovative "Maestro" leadership programs have reached thousands, influencing leaders worldwide.