Rafael Payare
Sergio A. Mims writes:
Here's some exciting news announced today about conductor Rafael Payare:
Feb. 13, 2018
The San Diego Symphony
today announced internationally acclaimed conductor Rafael Payare will
become the orchestra's next music director. Payare will begin a
four-year contract immediately, serving as music director designate for
the first year, and begin the role of music director on July 1, 2019.
Payare will debut at the San Diego podium in his new role January 2019,
when he kicks off the fourth annual San Diego Symphony January festival.
As the San Diego Symphony's music director, Payare - currently music
director of the Ulster Orchestra, principal conductor of the Castleton
Festival and honorary conductor of Sinfonietta Cracovia - will succeed Maestro
Jahja Ling, whose tenure began in 2004-05 and culminated in the 2016-17
season. Beginning in the 2019-20 season, Payare will conduct the San
Diego Symphony for 10 weeks each season including performances in the Bayside Summer Nights season at the orchestra's summer home.
Since being awarded first prize at the Malko Conducting Competition
in 2012, Payare is celebrated as one of the most exciting conductors of
his generation and has made debuts with: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota
Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, City of
Birmingham Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, Gothenburg Symphony,
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, amongst others.
"When Rafael conducted the orchestra in January there was a deep
connection, and the musical bond and obvious potential for their
relationship was clear," said Martha Gilmer, San Diego Symphony
CEO. "I first heard about Rafael Payare because of the unique musical
relationship he had with the preeminent conductor, Lorin Maazel. Lorin
was an intellectual musician with discerning taste. That he recognized
Rafael's talent and innate musicianship was an affirmation for me of
Rafael's considerable gift. He has the perfect balance of bringing out
the best in the musicians, encouraging and leading them to achieve more
than they imagine possible. Rafael has a calm assurance on the podium.
The musicians spoke of their ability to take artistic risks knowing that
he was secure in his own vision and knowledge of the score. I could not
be more excited about this musical partnership."
As San Diego Symphony's music director, Payare will shape the musical
vision for the orchestra moving forward. His international experience
and profile will attract the very best orchestral players and guest
artists to San Diego. In addition, his own personal story about the
important role that music has played in his life supports his vision to
reach into the community to find new and enduring ways for the San Diego
Symphony to play a greater role in the vitality and vibrancy of the San Diego community and region.
"I had an immediate connection and chemistry with the orchestra,"
said Payare. "There was no wall between us, only a desire and eagerness
to try new things which I find very exciting. Given what we achieved in
just one week together in January, the sky is the limit. I am also
inspired to create an atmosphere of inclusiveness in the San Diego
region. I feel a special connection to San Diego. I grew up living on
the edge of the sea, so I immediately felt at home."
Born in 1980 and a graduate of the celebrated Venezuelan education
program, El Sistema, Payare began his formal conducting studies in 2004
with José Antonio Abreu. He has conducted all the major orchestras in
Venezuela, including the Simón Bolívar Orchestra. Having also served as
principal horn of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra, he took part in many
prestigious tours and recordings with conductors including, Claudio
Abbado, Lorin Maazel, Sir Simon Rattle and Giuseppe Sinopoli.<
Sergio you bring wonderful THANKS
ReplyDeleteJohn Malveaux