Jonathan Der

Jonathan Der is an accomplished violinist, conductor, chamber musician, and church organist who is dedicated to enriching the musical landscape of the Lower Mainland. For over 21 years, he has served as associate conductor and chamber music director with the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra (RDYO), where he not only oversees six annual concerts but also organizes chamber music events for young musicians in the community.

Mr. Der’s performance portfolio includes appearances as soloist, chamber musician, and conductor at esteemed venues such as the Chan Centre, Orpheum Theatre, The Annex, Gateway Theatre, Michael Fox Theatre, Christ Church Cathedral, among others. He held the position of Music Director for the Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra for three years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A significant portion of his career is devoted to violin pedagogy. With 28 years of teaching experience, Mr. Der has guided numerous students towards successful professional careers. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the development of a robust technical foundation through natural posture and expressive tone color. As a testament to his mentorship, several of his students have secured positions in prestigious orchestras including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Munich Chamber Orchestra, and BBC Orchestra.

Mr. Der is a respected adjudicator, having contributed his expertise to various music festivals throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland, including the Richmond Music Festival, BC Conservatory of Music Festival, North Shore Music Academy Festival, Mozart School of Music Festival, Delta Community Music School Festival, Elite International Music Festival, Pacific Northwest Music Festival, and Pacific International Youth Music Festival.

He holds a Performance Diploma from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill University, and a master’s degree in Violin Performance with a minor in conducting from Indiana University. Mr. Der began his pedagogical career as Assistant Instructor to Professor Mauricio Fuks at Indiana University. He further honed his chamber music skills under the tutelage of distinguished professors such as Rostislav Dubinsky, Gyorgy Sebok, and Leonard Hokinson, and has performed with several professional orchestras under the direction of renowned conductors including Kurt Mazur, Christoph Eschenbach, and Myung-Whun Chung.

In addition to his orchestral and educational commitments, Mr. Der currently serves as Music Director and Organist at St. Anne’s Steveston Anglican Church. He has conducted numerous cantatas and oratorios such as Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion, both Brahms and Mozart Requiem.  He has led various choral workshops for churches and community choirs.