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Rafael Payare

Rafael Payare is a Venezuelan conductor and former horn player, known for his work with major orchestras in North America and Europe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rafael Payare is a Venezuelan conductor and former horn player, known for his work with major orchestras in North America and Europe. He is currently music director of the San Diego Symphony and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and previously served as chief conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. Payare began his music studies at age 14 in Venezuela's El Sistema system.

Early life and education

Payare was born in 1980 in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela. He entered El Sistema at age 14 as a horn player, later shifting his focus to conducting. He began formal conducting studies in 2004 with José Antonio Abreu.

Career

Payare won First Prize at the Malko International Conducting Competition in 2012, which accelerated his international career. He has conducted many major orchestras and opera houses around the world, establishing a reputation as a versatile and sought-after conductor.

Major appointments

Payare served as chief conductor and music director of the Ulster Orchestra from 2014 to 2019. He became music director of the San Diego Symphony in 2019, and in the 2022–2023 season he assumed the same role at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.

Personal life

Payare is married to cellist Alisa Weilerstein. The couple has two children and divides their time between San Diego and Montreal.

Key facts

  • Began music studies at age 14 in Venezuela’s El Sistema, first as a horn player.
  • Began formal conducting studies in 2004 with José Antonio Abreu.
  • Won First Prize at the Malko International Conducting Competition in 2012.
  • Served as chief conductor and music director of the Ulster Orchestra from 2014 to 2019.
  • Became music director of the San Diego Symphony in 2019 and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in 2022–2023.
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Canadian context

Payare is the music director of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, making him a prominent figure in Canadian orchestral life.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rafael Payare?
Rafael Payare is a Venezuelan conductor and former horn player who holds major conducting posts in San Diego and Montreal.
Where was Rafael Payare born?
He was born in Venezuela, with sources naming Puerto La Cruz as his birthplace.
What is Rafael Payare known for?
He is known for his work as a conductor with major orchestras and for his leadership roles with the Ulster Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, and Orchestre symphonique de Montréal.
What competition did Rafael Payare win?
He won First Prize at the Malko International Conducting Competition in 2012.
Who is Rafael Payare married to?
He is married to cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
What was Rafael Payare’s first musical instrument?
He began as a horn player in El Sistema before focusing on conducting.

References

  1. Rafael Payare official website — https://rafaelpayare.com/biography/
    Supports: Current positions, birthplace, El Sistema background, family details.
  2. New York Philharmonic — https://www.nyphil.org/about-us/artists/rafael-payare/
    Supports: Career summary, El Sistema training, Malko prize, major orchestras, former roles.
  3. Orchestre symphonique de Montréal — https://www.osm.ca/en/news/rafael-payare-music-as-the-breath-of-life/
    Supports: OSM appointment, El Sistema background, conducting studies, Malko prize, marriage.
  4. Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin — https://www.dso-berlin.de/de/orchester/personen/biografien/rafael-payare/
    Supports: San Diego Symphony and OSM leadership timeline, Ulster Orchestra tenure.