Bio
Guy Feder is an internationally acclaimed conductor and music educator, known for his holistic and personal approach, and for his passionate advocacy of the classical canon, contemporary music, and diverse musical genres. Over the past two decades, he has become a central figure in Israel’s musical life, leading major ensembles and shaping the next generation of musicians with his creative and educational vision.
Feder currently serves as Creator, Musical Director, and Conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s Children’s Series, a role that combines his commitment to artistic excellence with his belief in the transformative power of music for young audiences. Now in its third consecutive year, this innovative series introduces orchestral music to thousands of children each season. He previously held the same position with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concerts, where his engaging programming and warm stage presence earned wide acclaim.
In addition to his conducting work, Feder composed the original music for "Hans, Prince of Tails"- a production telling the story of Hans Christian Andersen - a fruitful collaboration between the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Theatre for Youth and Children. He has also created numerous programs for children, youth, and senior audiences, combining theatre, dance, and multimedia to bring classical music to life for diverse audiences through innovative, accessible storytelling.
In his broader performing career, Feder is a sought-after conductor across Israel and abroad. He has led performances 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. Internationally, he has appeared with ensembles such as the Copenhagen Philharmonic, Danish Chamber Players, and Amadeus Ensemble in Denmark, as well as Ensemble Sudedama in New York. His performances have been featured at major venues and festivals, including the Venice Biennale, 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.
A dedicated advocate for contemporary music, Feder served as Conductor-in-Residence for the Meitar Ensemble, where he worked closely with internationally renowned composers such as Mark Andre, Daniel Biro, Fabian Panisello, Philippe Leroux, Agata Zubel, Josef Bardanashvili, Betty Olivero, Yinam Leef, and many others. His recordings with labels including New Focus Recordings, Neos Music, and the Israel Music Institute have earned critical acclaim and reflect his deep engagement with modern repertoire and artistic innovation.
Feder is equally recognized for his open, collaborative approach and musical versatility. He has performed and recorded with some of Israel’s most beloved artists across genres, including Achinoam Nini (Noa) and Gil Dor, Shiri Maimon, Mark Eliyahu, Keren Peles, Esther Rada, and many more.
Passionate about 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, paving the way for a new model of music education.
Feder is regularly invited to give masterclasses and clinics for young orchestras and Concert Bands, and to mentor emerging conductors, both in Israel and abroad, continuing his lifelong dedication to musical growth and community development. 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 academic excellence has been recognized with the Faculty Dean’s Award, the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship, and multiple international honors, including 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 (AICF) scholarships.
Now based in Montclair, New Jersey, Feder continues to balance his international career with a deep commitment to education, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. He believes that music—both classical and contemporary—has the power to connect, inspire, and build bridges across generations and cultures.
Personal Note
When I was a teenager, CDs were the cutting edge of music technology. I remember lying on the carpet in my room with my new portable CD player, listening to the few CDs I owned on repeat. Over time, my library expanded, and I guarded my precious collection like a long-lost treasure.
It was during these formative years that I began to understand the true power of music. For the stormy heart and soul of a 15-year-old boy, music offered comfort, excitement, a soundtrack for daydreaming, background for homework, and much more. Mahler became my companion on long bus rides, Schumann was my steadfast friend, and "The Blues Brothers" were the guests at my private parties.
Of course, I had actual friends and a social life, but it was then that I realized music had a unique, almost magical, power. The right piece, the right composer, or the right genre could create an immediate and profound connection.
I vividly remember making audio tapes to convince my hairdresser that classical music could be cool. I introduced my dormmates to Richard Strauss before we headed to parties, and I even learned to play and sing Simon and Garfunkel in a bid to win a girl’s heart.
What began as a personal passion eventually, and almost unnoticed, became my profession and life's work. Today, I not only make music but also strive to share its power with others. When educating children and youth, I aim to teach them not just the art of performance but also how empowering music can be in one’s life.
When programming for professional orchestras and ensembles, I seek to find connections that allow the audience to experience the links between composers like Haydn and Prokofiev, enhancing the entire concert experience. When creating special programs for children, youth, or the elderly, I try to meet them where they are, using my knowledge and experience to keep things accessible and fresh.
I believe that music is for everyone. This belief is so deeply ingrained in me that I constantly challenge myself to make it a daily practice.
