Raphaela Lacerda

Recipient of the esteemed 2023 Emerging Professional Award by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), Raphaela Lacerda is an accomplished and engaging orchestra conductor with a deep passion for music that resonates across borders, delighting audiences worldwide.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Maestra Lacerda's journey in the world of classical music has been marked by remarkable achievements. Her experience includes conducting renowned orchestras in Brazil and the United States, such as the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra (OFMG), São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), São Paulo State Youth Orchestra (OJESP), Santo André Symphony Orchestra (OSSA), Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO).

Maestra Lacerda is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, serving as Assistant Conductor of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO) and the Musicians at Play Foundation (MAP). In fall 2024, she is also serving as Visiting Conductor of the Claremont Concert Orchestra (CCO) at Scripps College, further showcasing her leadership in both academic and orchestral settings. Additionally, she serves as Associate Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO), where her work has been praised by Executive Director Anne Viricel, who remarked, "In December of 2022, she guest

conducted a performance of Bizet’s Farandole from L'Arlésienne Suite No. 2 to significant community acclaim. We even received phone calls from community members and local music teachers asking when she would be back on the podium!"

Throughout her career, Raphaela Lacerda has pursued opportunities to broaden her musical horizons, participating in courses and masterclasses led by distinguished conductors such as Marin Alsop, Stefan Blunier, Cristian Macelaru, Giancarlo Guerrero, Robert Treviño, Neil Thomson, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Sarah Ioannides, and Daisuke Soga, among others. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth is evident in her artistic approach.

In 2022, Maestra Lacerda collaborated closely with the three-time Grammy-nominated American composer Miguel Del Aguila, conducting his captivating work Toccata. Del Aguila himself praised her performance, noting, "The performance was very energetic as she managed to keep the rhythmic and dramatic tension of the work forward. Her interpretation was personal and showed an unusual awareness of the overall architecture of the work. (...) She has that rare quality among conductors of getting a big sound and a dramatic response from the orchestra with spare but accurate and effective movements and directions."

In 2023, she achieved another milestone in her musical journey by earning her Master's degree in Instrumental Conducting from Azusa Pacific University, under the guidance of Professor Christopher Russell. Her dedication and exceptional academic achievements were further acknowledged through her receipt of the prestigious 2023 Dennis Royse Graduate Achievement and Academic Excellence Award from Azusa Pacific University. That same year, she was honored with the 2023 Emerging Professional Award by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), a testament to her exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions to the field of classical music. Most recently, in December 2024, she received the 30 Under 30 Award in recognition of her dedication, innovation, and service within California's 50th Assembly District.

Raphaela Lacerda is a versatile and skilled conductor. She has led recording sessions in Hollywood, including conducting the full-length score for the Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which premiered on July 3, 2024. Additionally, she conducted the Hollywood Studio Symphony in the recording of Across the Stars (Love Theme from Star Wars: Episode II) on the Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony, in honor of the 25th anniversary of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. These accomplishments highlight her adaptability and expertise in both film and symphonic conducting.

Maestra Lacerda's unwavering commitment to her craft, her ability to create captivating musical experiences, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of musicians establish her as a prominent figure in the world of orchestral conducting. Her engaging presence on the podium continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, ensuring her impact as an inspiring conductor for years to come.