Yaacov Bergman

Yaacov Bergman (; 31 May 1945 – 20 September 2023) was an Israeli-born conductor. He was the musical director and conductor of the Walla Walla Symphony from 1987 until his death, conductor of the Portland Chamber Orchestra, and artistic director of the Siletz Bay Music Festival in Oregon. He conducted as a guest worldwide.

Early years Born in Israel, Bergman took lessons in violin and singing early, but soon was interested in composing and conducting. He studied at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance in conducting and composition, and took post-graduate studies at the Mannes College of Music in New York with Richard Westenburg. He studied conducting further with Charles Bruck, a student of Pierre Monteux, as well as privately with Leonard Bernstein. In 1998 he was granted an honorary doctorate from Colorado Technical University.