Internationally acclaimed conductor Rafael Payare was named the OSM’s Music Director Designate for the 2021–2022 season following a unanimous vote by the Orchestra’s selection committee. The Venezuelan conductor will commence full duties in 2022–2023—his tenure will last a minimum of five years—becoming the ninth Music Director in the OSM’s history.

Rafael Payare’s debut with the Orchestra in 2018 was a highly memorable experience. The connection between him and the OSM musicians was immediate and natural. Upon Maestro Payare’s return as Guest Conductor in 2019, this relationship strengthened, and when he was appointed OSM Artist-in-Residence in 2020–2021, the Quebec public was given the opportunity to grasp the full extent of his artistry.

“Rafael Payare’s passion, energy and determination, his Latin American background and his engaging personality are sure to appeal to the Montreal public.” —Madeleine Careau, OSM Chief Executive Officer

At just over forty years of age, Rafael Payare ranks among the most internationally prominent and in-demand conductors of the rising generation. His profound musical sensitivity, brilliant technique, and personal charisma at the podium are all part of his style and approach. He is a trained horn player and graduate of the famous El Sistema music education program whose founder, José Antonio Abreu had singled out Payare’s talent from the outset, teaching him orchestral conducting beginning in 2004.

In 2012, Rafael Payare’s career skyrocketed: he won First Prize at the prestigious Malko International Competition for Young Conductors held in Denmark. Since 2015, he has served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Castleton Festival, founded by his mentor Lorin Maazel. He was also Music Director of the Ulster Orchestra from 2014 to 2019 and has held the same position with the San Diego Symphony since 2019.

In recent years, Maestro Payare has conducted many of the world’s most prestigious symphony orchestras in Paris, Vienna, London, Munich, Chicago, and Berlin, among other great cities.

To consult:

– Our portrait : Rafael Payare: Music as the Breath of Life
– Website : rafaelpayare.com