People

JMI is driven by a passionate team of staff, trustees, and advisors who bring Jewish music to life across the UK and beyond. On this page, you’ll find the dedicated individuals who guide our vision, shape our programmes, and support our mission to celebrate and share Jewish musical heritage with the world.

Board Members

PRESIDENT

Lord Grade CBE

VICE
 PRESIDENTS

Sylvia Lewin
Lady Lipworth CBE
Jonathon Lyons

FOUNDING
 DIRECTOR

Geraldine Auerbach MBE

CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert Rinder MBE

TRUSTEES

Karen Gilbert
Leonard Lowy
Annabel Elad
Edward Leek
William Galinsky
Yifa Yaakov

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Dr. Alexander Knapp
Rabbi Norman Solomon
Jonathan Lyons

JMI ARCHIVIST

Edoardo Marcarini

JOE LOSS READER IN JEWISH MUSIC at SOAS

Dr Ilana Webster-Kogen

VICE 
PRESIDENT
 (Yiddish)

Zalmen Mlotek

PRESIDENT 
ICSM

Sir Simon Rattle

Team Members

  • Na’ama
    Zisser

    Na’ama Zisser is a London-based composer known for her visually rich, cross-disciplinary work in opera, dance, film, and instrumental music, with performances by leading ensembles across Europe and the U.S. In 2024, she became CEO of the Jewish Music Institute, bringing her deep artistic vision and experience—shaped by her Orthodox Jewish upbringing and acclaimed career—
to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

  • Raphael
    Knapp

    Raphael Knapp joined JMI in January 2017, and brings over 20 years of experience in the music industry as a sound engineer, producer, promoter, and accomplished cellist and bass guitarist. At JMI, he leads on educational initiatives and development strategy, combining his deep musical expertise with a passion for nurturing talent and expanding access to Jewish music through innovative learning programmes and partnerships.

  • Neil
    Marcus

    Neil Marcus is an award-winning producer with a strong background in musical theatre and a passion for championing new voices in the arts. As JMI’s Development Lead, he played a pivotal role in securing National Portfolio Organisation status from Arts Council England, helping to ensure long-term support for Jewish music and culture. He brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, creative strategy, and cultural leadership to his work at JMI.

If you wish to join the team, please check the Opportunities page to see what positions are open.