Rafael Payare
Representation
About Rafael
Music Director: Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Music Director: San Diego Symphony
The 2023/24 season marks Rafael Payare’s second season as Music Director of Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and his fifth as Music Director of California’s San Diego Symphony.
With his innate musicianship, charismatic energy, gift for communication and irresistibly joyous spirit, Rafael works with the world’s leading orchestras including the Wiener Philharmoniker, Chicago Symphony, Munchner Philharmoniker, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Berlin Staatskapelle, New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe and The Cleveland Orchestra. Highlights of the current season include return visits to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Orchestre National de France and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
Payare was previously Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Ulster Orchestra from 2014-2019, with whom he appeared twice at the BBC Proms in 2016 and 2019. He now holds the title of Conductor Laureate in recognition of his artistic contribution to the Orchestra and City of Belfast during his five-year tenure.