About Rafael Payare
Rafael Payare is a highly acclaimed conductor known for his exceptional musicianship, technical prowess, and captivating stage presence. With his impressive credentials and achievements, he has become one of the most sought-after conductors globally. Born in 1980 and a graduate of Venezuela's renowned El Sistema music program, Payare embarked on his formal conducting studies under the guidance of José Antonio Abreu in 2004.
Payare's career gained significant momentum after winning the prestigious Malko International Competition for Young Conductors in Denmark in 2012. Since then, he has swiftly risen to prominence in the music world. Notably, he assumed the role of Principal Conductor at the Castleton Festival, founded by his late mentor Lorin Maazel, in 2015. Prior to this, he served as Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra from Northern Ireland, from 2014 to 2019.
In 2019, Payare took on the esteemed position of Music Director of the San Diego Symphony, further solidifying his status as an eminent figure in the industry. Over the years, he has had the privilege of leading some of the most distinguished symphony orchestras worldwide, including those in Berlin, Vienna, London, Munich, Chicago, and Paris. His dynamic and expressive conducting style has garnered widespread acclaim and admiration from both audiences and critics alike.
Continuing to build on his remarkable achievements, Payare assumed the role of the ninth Music Director in the history of the OSM (Orchestre symphonique de Montréal) starting from the 2022-2023 season. This appointment demonstrates his exceptional standing in the music community and highlights his commitment to artistic excellence.
Rafael Payare's remarkable talent, extensive experience, and remarkable achievements have firmly established him as a prominent and highly sought-after conductor. His ability to connect with orchestras and audiences worldwide, coupled with his profound musical interpretation, ensures his continued success and lasting impact on the classical music landscape.
Discover the performances of Rafael Payare
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Beethoven's 9th in Montreal
Payare conducts Beethoven's masterwork along with a pair of pieces for choir and orchestra by Brahms; including Song of Destiny, whose themes evoke fate and consolation.
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Spectral Reflections with Hannigan
Payare is joined by soprano Hannigan in a diverse program crested by a performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.
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A Mozart Special from Montreal
A pleasing pairing of Mozart works with from OSM. Payare joins Richard-Hamelin for the Piano Concerto No.24 whilst Labadies leads the spirited 'Haffner' symphony.
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Wild and Stormy Nights
Nathalie Stutzmann transports you to a dusky, foreboding realm, where hope and light are at perpetual odd with fierce storms and undulating shadows.
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A Double Bill of Beethoven and Brahms
Violinist Leonidas Kavakos takes center-stage for a Brahms' Violin Concerto, followed by Beethoven's 'Pastorale' Symphony conducted by Daniel Harding.
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A night of Russian Storytelling
Semyon Bychkov is joined by Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov in this double-bill of modern Russian classics.
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Two Unfinished Symphonies
Schubert's lyrical 'Unfinished' 8th Symphony leads off this charismatic concert and concludes by featuring Anton Bruckner's sacred 9th.
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A Vibrant Performance of 20th Century Works
A rhythmic program of modern classics with Sir Simon Rattle and the Labèque Sisters.
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Blomstedt Explores Darkness and Light
A performance driven by a transformative energy where we explore Honegger's third as well as Brahms' fourth and final symphony.
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Chen Reiss Sings Mendelssohn
Enjoy this extraordinary performance with our soprano in Mendelssohn's "Lobgesang".
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