Rafael Payare (born 23 February 1980) is a Venezuelan conductor and a graduate of El Sistema, Venezuela’s social action music programme.

[3] He began his music studies at age 14 at the Núcleo in Puerto la Cruz, learning the French horn.

[4] On the basis of this appearance, the orchestra announced his appointment as its 13th chief conductor, effective with the 2014–2015 season, his first lead orchestral post.

[6][7] In October 2016, the orchestra announced a contract extension through the 2018–2019 season, and also a change in his title from chief conductor to music director.

[12] On the basis of this concert, the San Diego Symphony named Payare as its next music director, effective 1 July 2019 with an initial four-year contract.

[13][14] In October 2020, the San Diego Symphony announced an extension of Payare's contract as music director through the 2025–2026 season.