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.
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Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Maestra Lacerda’s journey in classical music has been marked by remarkable achievements. She has conducted renowned orchestras in Brazil and the United States, including 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).
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Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of musicians, Maestra Lacerda serves as Assistant Conductor for the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO) and Musicians at Play Foundation (MAP), as well as Program Coordinator and Assistant Conductor of the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles (CO-LA). In fall 2024, she was Visiting Conductor of the Claremont Concert Orchestra (CCO) at Scripps College, further showcasing her leadership in both academic and orchestral settings. Additionally, she is the Associate Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO), where her work has been widely praised. Anne Viricel, SBSO’s Executive Director, noted:​​
"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!"
In 2022, Maestra Lacerda collaborated closely with three-time Grammy-nominated composer Miguel del Águila,conducting his compelling work Toccata. Del Águila praised her interpretation:
"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."
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In 2023, she earned her Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from Azusa Pacific University under Professor Christopher Russell. Her outstanding academic achievements were recognized with the prestigious 2023 Dennis Royse Graduate Achievement and Academic Excellence Award from Azusa Pacific University. In December 2024, she was honored with the 30 Under 30 Award for her dedication, innovation, and service within California’s 50th Assembly District.
A versatile and skilled conductor, Maestra Lacerda has also made an impact in film scoring. She conducted Hollywood recording sessions, including leading the full-length score for the Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (premiering 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, commemorating the 25th anniversary of NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
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With her unwavering commitment to excellence, Maestra Lacerda continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike. Her artistry, leadership, and passion for music solidify her reputation as a rising force in the world of orchestral conducting.
