Rafael Payare

The 20-21 season marks Rafael Payare’s second season as Music Director of San Diego Symphony and already their relationship has been recognised as one of the most dynamic in North America. He has also recently been announced as the next Music Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal where he will take the title of Music Director Designate from September 2021 and will commence as Music Director from the 22-23 season for an initial period of 5 years. His profound musicianship, technical brilliance and charismatic presence on the podium has elevated him as one of the most sought-after conductors. He was 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. The Orchestra recently named him Conduct