Our Conductor and Artistic Director

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Maestro  Rafael Luz is a conductor who strives to captivate audiences. He is a  rising star in the world of classical music, known for his electrifying  stage presence and dynamic approach to conducting. 

Born  in São Paulo, Brazil, Rafael began his musical journey on the piano as  well as the violin before discovering his passion for conducting while  leading various choirs. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Faculdade de  Artes Alcântara Machado, Brazil’s largest and one of its top  universities, a Master of Arts in conducting from the Aaron Copland  School of Music, NY, studying under Maurice Peress (Leonard Bernstein’s  assistant at the NY Phil), and a doctoral degree (DMA) in conducting  from the University of Toronto, where he was recognized for both his  exceptional talent and dedication to the craft.

In  addition to his role as a conductor, Rafael has gained significant  expertise in music management and development. He has served as  Assistant Librarian for the National Ballet of Canada and as a Technical  Revisor for EdUSP, one of Brazil’s largest university publishers. He  also taught at the Festival Eleazar de Carvalho for several years and  the Projeto Guri, a Sistema-like program teaching music in lower-income  areas in São Paulo, inspiring and mentoring countless young musicians.

In  2014, Maestro Luz became the Music Director and Conductor of the North  York Concert Orchestra, receiving critical acclaim for his energetic and  powerful performances. Among his many projects was the introduction of a  newly created Summer Opera Series with a full production of Candide, as  well as collaborations with renowned soloists and premieres of new  works by contemporary composers. 

With  a deep commitment to music education and an unwavering passion for  conducting, Rafael Luz is dedicated to creating memorable experiences  for both orchestra members and audiences alike. In the years to come, he  hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of classical music and

inspiring future generations of musicians.