Rafael Payare extends his time in Montréal

Rafael Payare, who Classical Explorer has covered in Montréal and in London, and on disc, has extended his tenure for a further five years with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM). is contract was due to end in the spring of 2027 and now is extended through the 2031/2 season, during which Payare will dedicate 14-16 weeks each season to the orchestra.

The contract renewal has allowed for a shift in title, now Music and Artistic Director. Mélanie La Couture, OSM President and CEO, says.

It is pure joy to see the relationship between Rafael, and the Orchestra continue so seamlessly. Since his first moment on the podium, a symbiotic connection was established with the musicians. His conducting style, both rigorous and radiant, reflects his deep respect for the members of the Orchestra. Owing to the strength of his artistic vision, he excels in steering the Orchestra to new heights. His community engagement energizes the OSM’s profile and makes the Orchestra more accessible and open. Rafael’s vision is now an integral part of the OSM’s DNA, to our immense delight.

A graduate of Venezuela’s El Sistema program, Rafael Payare was appointed by a unanimous vote on January 7 2021, as the OSM’s 9th Music Director. He rapidly distinguished himself in Montreal and on the world’s foremost stages, embodying the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal’s mission of excellence through his charisma and artistic vision. During his first term, Payare notably conducted the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, the Staatskapelle Berlin and Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

Andrew Wan, Concertmaster of the OSM, says,

Since assuming his post, Rafael Payare has infused into the OSM an artistic energy fuelled by attentiveness, generosity and a profoundly human approach to music. His conducting, a blend of discipline, adherence to the works and openness, has established a genuine dialogue with the musicians and fostered remarkable cohesion on stage.