Rob Rinder appointed Chair of Jewish Music Institute

Broadcaster, barrister and writer Rob Rinder has been appointed the new Chair of the Jewish Music Institute, describing his “genuine delight” at taking up the role. 

In a statement following the news, the JMI lauded Rinder’s “longstanding commitment to justice, education and cultural life in the United Kingdom”, adding that “alongside his legal work, he has contributed widely to public understanding of history, civic identity and the importance of cultural memory.”

The organisation described how his existing roles as President of the Orion Orchestra and as an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Corps of Army Music reflected “his deep support for musicians, performance and arts education.”

JMI added that Rinder brings “not only extensive professional experience but also a profound passion for Jewish culture, creativity and heritage. His conviction that music is both an archive of memory and a bridge to the future aligns closely with the mission of JMI.”

Speaking following the prestigious appointment, Rinder said: “Stepping into the role of Chair of JMI felt less like taking on a position and more like returning to a part of my own cultural home, a place shaped by memory, resilience and the music that has always carried our story forward.

“Jewish music, from the sacred to the avant-garde, has always seemed to me one of the great repositories of our story — a place where memory, imagination and identity meet.

“JMI embodies that spirit. It connects communities, celebrates our heritage and cultivates what comes next. I am genuinely delighted to support an organisation that brings the full breadth of Jewish sound to a wider public and nurtures the next generation of musicians, scholars and creators.

“It is a privilege to stand with JMI in this vital work.”

Rob Rinder was awarded an MBE for services to Holocaust education in 2021. He is also a patron for the Oasis of Peace coexistence village.