The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal has announced that it is renewing Rafael Payare’s tenure for a five-year term. Payare, whose initial term will conclude in the spring of 2027, will now be extended through the 2031-32 season and will become the Music and Artistic Director. Payer will also dedicate 14 to 16 weeks each regular season to the orchestra. The {…}
Rafael Payare has extended his contract with the San Diego Symphony until 2028-29. The Venezuelan conductor has been leading the orchestra since 2019 and has elevated the Symphony’s expressive range and strengthened its connection with audiences. Throughout his tenure, he has led the opening of two landmark venues—the acclaimed Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on the San Diego Bay and the {…}
At the risk of repeating myself, opera should be all about the music and the voice. If I’m ever asked to quantify that statement, I readily proffer “Turandot” in support of my assertions. For here is a ridiculous, cruel, convoluted tale that is impossible to like and grasp, perpetrated by a pair of unpleasant, thoroughly dislikeable characters with, were it {…}
The San Diego Symphony has announced its 2025-26 season. In a statement, Martha Gilmer, President and CEO of the San Diego Symphony said, “Now that we have been able to experience the wonderful acoustic of our renovated Jacobs Music Center, it was a great joy to imagine our second season in this marvelous hall. In what was the Fox Movie Theatre, a {…}
(Credit: San Diego Symphony) On Sept. 28, the San Diego Symphony opened its 2024-25 season with a concert titled “Welcome Home.” The special evening marked the orchestra’s return to its home, the newly redesigned Jacobs Center. The hall, which took four years to renovate, featured vivid changes from its cool blue/green chairs to a more natural curve and slope for {…}
San Diego Symphony has announced its 2023-24 season. For the purposes of this article, we will only focus on vocal and operatic performances. Jacobs Masterworks Season It all kicks off with Rafael Payare leading performances of Strauss’ “Til Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks,” the west coast premiere of Billy Children’s Saxophone Concerto,” Mozart’s “Exsutate, jubilate,” Debussy’s “La Mer,” and the world premiere {…}
Rafael Payare dreams big. The Venezuelan conductor arrived in San Diego during the 2019-20 season ready to make his mark with the orchestra and to establish it as one of the leading American orchestras in the world. But that dream was slowed down in March 2020 when the pandemic struck. But it didn’t stop the conductor from creating. During that {…}
On Oct. 16, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra presented a diverse program entitled Song and Symphony at the newly constructed Rady Shell. The program included three composers from different backgrounds and countries that were united by the passionate musical language of each piece. The result was an exciting exploration of music led by the infectious conducting of Rafael Payare. Lili {…}
(Credit: Henry Fair) Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal has announced the appointment of Venezuelan conductor Rafael Payare its new Music Director. Payare will start his five-year tenure during the 2022-23 season. The Venezuelan conductor will replace the famed conductor Kent Nagano, who has held the position since 2006. Payare graduated from the famous musical education program “El Sistema.” He won the {…}