Raphaela Lacerda

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BIOGRAPHY
 

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. She is the Resident Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO), now in her third season, where her dynamic leadership and passionate musicianship have earned widespread praise.

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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).
 

Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of musicians, she serves as Assistant Conductor for the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra (DYSO) and the 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 commitment to education and mentorship.

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Maestra Lacerda earned her Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from Azusa Pacific University under Professor Christopher Russell, receiving the Dennis Royse Graduate Achievement and Academic Excellence Award. In December 2024, she was recognized with the 30 Under 30 Award for her dedication and contributions to the arts in California’s 50th Assembly District.

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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 dedication to artistic excellence and deep connection to her community, Maestra Lacerda continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike, making her a prominent force in the world of orchestral conducting.

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For further information, please visit www.RaphaelaLacerda.com

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