Rafael Payare will remain Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) for another five years. The Venezuelan conductor's contract has been extended until the 2031/32 season, the orchestra announced late Wednesday evening (local time). Payare will also assume the role of Artistic Director. This reflects his desire to actively shape the future of the OSM beyond programming and conducting.

Orchester Symphonique de Montréal and Rafael Payare

Since his appointment in 2021, Payare has solidified OSM's position at the forefront of major North American orchestras and given the ensemble new energy, passion and renewal, it was said.

“It is a true joy to see how harmonious the relationship between Rafael and the orchestra continues,” said Mélanie La Couture, President and CEO of the OSM. “Since his very first moment on the podium, a deep connection has developed with the musicians.” Thanks to his strong artistic vision, he is leading the orchestra to new heights.

Born in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, in 1980, Payare initially studied French horn and participated in the "El Sistema" music education program. He began his conducting studies in 2004 with its founder, José Antonio Abreu. Later, he became an assistant to Claudio Abbado during Abbado's work with the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and to Daniel Barenboim at the Berlin State Opera.

He is the ninth Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, founded in 1934, and the first South American to hold this position. During his first term, he led the OSM on four international tours, among other things. He also founded the "El Sistema OSM" program, which provides approximately 120 young students from North Montreal with free access to orchestral music.

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