BIOGRAPHY

Guy Feder is an internationally acclaimed conductor and music educator, distinguished by a holistic, deeply personal approach to music-making and a passionate commitment to the classical canon, contemporary repertoire, and creative collaboration across diverse musical genres. Over the past two decades, he has become a central figure in Israel’s musical life, leading major ensembles while shaping the next generation of musicians through his artistic and educational vision. Feder has appeared with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra—where he also served as Conductor-in-Residence—Haifa Symphony Orchestra, Israel Camerata, Beer Sheva Sinfonietta, Raanana Symphonette, Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra, and Galilee Chamber Orchestra, among others. Abroad, he has conducted the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Danish Chamber Players, Amadeus Ensemble in Denmark, and Ensemble Sudedama in New York. His performances have been presented at major venues and festivals, including the Venice Biennale, the Bayreuth Festival, Vienna’s Musikverein, and Rachmaninoff Hall in Moscow. He has collaborated with distinguished artists including Itamar Zorman, Alon Goldstein, Carmit Zori, Daniel Gortler, Daniel Bolshoy, David Greilsammer, and Gilad Harel. Equally recognized for his open, collaborative spirit and musical versatility, Feder has also performed and recorded with some of Israel’s most beloved artists across a wide range of musical genres, including Achinoam Nini (Noa) and Gil Dor, Shiri Maimon, Mark Eliyahu, Keren Peles, Esther Rada, and many more.

Feder currently serves as Creator, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s Children’s Series, a role that unites his commitment to artistic excellence with his belief in the transformative power of music for young audiences. Now in its third consecutive season, this innovative series introduces orchestral music to thousands of children each year. He previously held the same position with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concerts, where his engaging programming and warm stage presence earned widespread acclaim. In addition to his conducting, Feder composed the original score for Hans, Prince of Tails, a production based on the life of Hans Christian Andersen and created through a collaboration between the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Theatre for Youth and Children. He has also developed numerous programs for children, youth, and senior audiences, combining theatre, dance, and multimedia to bring classical music to life through imaginative and accessible storytelling.

Deeply committed to music education, Feder has served as Musical Director and Conductor of leading youth orchestras and conservatories in Israel, including the Thelma Yellin Symphony Orchestra, the Kiryat Ono Music Conservatory, and the Israel Music Conservatory Tel Aviv. He also founded Israel’s first regional string ensemble, a groundbreaking collaboration among several music institutions that established a new model for music education. Feder is regularly invited to give masterclasses and clinics for youth orchestras and concert bands, and to mentor emerging conductors in Israel and abroad. He is a long-time conducting teacher and lecturer at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where he also established a new phase of orchestral studies for youth ensembles. His achievements have been recognized with the Faculty Dean’s Award, the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship, the Danish Government CIRIUS Scholarship, and the Theodor Alfred Christian von Irgens-Bergh Artist’s Scholarship. Beyond his conducting and teaching, Feder has served as a jury member for many of Israel’s most prestigious music awards, including the Prime Minister’s Prize for Composers, the ACUM Prize, the Aviv Competition, the Israel Composers’ League competitions, and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarships.

A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, Feder served as Conductor-in-Residence of the Meitar Ensemble, working closely with internationally renowned composers including Mark Andre, Daniel Biro, Fabian Panisello, Philippe Leroux, Agata Zubel, Josef Bardanashvili, Betty Olivero, and Yinam Leef. His recordings for labels including New Focus Recordings, Neos Music, and the Israel Music Institute have earned critical acclaim and reflect his deep commitment to contemporary repertoire and artistic innovation.

Now based in Montclair, New Jersey, Feder continues to balance an international conducting career with a profound commitment to education, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. He believes that music—classical and contemporary alike—has the power to connect, inspire, and build bridges across generations and cultures.