Jeff Faragher
OSYO Conductor

Jeff Faragher is a conductor, professional cellist, and music educator based in Nelson, British Columbia. Since 2012, he has served as Music and Artistic Director of the Symphony of the Kootenays, where he leads programming, rehearsals, performances, educational outreach, and long-term artistic development. He brings more than two decades of experience working with young musicians as a conductor, string educator, ensemble coach, and private cello teacher. In addition to being a guest conductor throughout Canada, Jeff has conducted the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra on two MainStage programs and has led the OSO’s school-show program alongside renowned fiddler and educator Daniel Lapp. His educational work has included public-school string programs, university and conservatory teaching, and youth-orchestra coaching, including work with the Banff Centre Youth Orchestra Symposium. Faragher holds a Master of Music from McGill University, completed doctoral-level conducting studies at the University of Alberta, and also holds an MBA from the University of Alberta. As a professional orchestral cellist, he is a regular performer with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and has previously worked with OSYO musicians in sectional and side-by-side settings. His work is grounded in the belief that high artistic standards and a supportive, engaging learning environment can and should strengthen one another. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and committed group of young musicians. I’m especially excited to help them grow not only as individual players, but as confident, collaborative orchestral musicians. I look forward to building on the strong connection between OSYO, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, and the broader musical community.”