Rafael is a 16-year-old pianist, violinist, violist and composer from Mission BC. He started his musical studies and piano at Music Language Studios in Mission at age 4. He has been an avid composer ever since he first had access to a keyboard and over the years has tried his hand at composing for many different instruments, combinations and structures. He has won many awards (including locally, provincially, nationally and one international prize) for his instrumental virtuosity as well as for his compositions. He is excited for another opportunity to participate in the BC Piano Competition, after placing second in 2020.
Rafael is an enthusiastic performer and has been a member of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra for eight years, where he has had the privilege of performing in ensembles and as a soloist, and is now enjoying his role as principal violist since 2019. He has enjoyed attending live performances all his life, and he celebrates the talents of his role models and peers. Rafael is grateful to the Abbotsford Music Teachers for selecting him for this exciting opportunity and looks forward to sharing his music, and enjoying the music of his fellow participants.
Semi-Final Program
Sonata in C Major “Waldstein”, Op. 53 - L. van Beethoven
I. Allegro con brio
Intermezzo Op. 118, No. 6 - J. Brahms
Étude No. 12 - M.-A. Hamelin*
Prelude and Fugue
Final Program
Prelude, Chorale and Fugue - C. Franck
Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in Db Major - D. Shostakovich
Gaspard de la nuit - M. Ravel
Ondine
Etude Op. 2, No. 3 - S. Prokofiev