Rafael Payare

conductor

Rafael Payare’s innate musicianship, technical brilliance, and charismatic energy on the podium have established him as one of the most sought-after conductors of his generation. The 2026/27 season marks his fifth as Music and Artistic Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and his eighth as Music and Artistic Director of the San Diego Symphony.

From 2014 to 2019, Payare served as Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Ulster Orchestra, with which he made two appearances at the BBC Proms. In recognition of his significant artistic contributions to the orchestra and to the City of Belfast, he now holds the title of Conductor Laureate. He is also Principal Conductor of Virginia’s Castleton Festival.