Rafael David Pérez Deliz (b. 1998) stands as an internationally acclaimed composer, skillfully navigating the realms of classical repertoire, jazz, latin, and film. Renowned for his versatile musicality, Rafael David secured his position as the winner of the 2023 Puerto Rico Classical Music Initiative, a testament to his exceptional compositional talent spanning various genres. Notably, he also earned the prestigious Medal of Composition for achieving the highest GPA upon graduation from the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico (CMPR) and was awarded the Maria Zeno Anexy Scholarship for Foreign Studies.

Immersed in a vibrant musical milieu, Rafael David devoted his four years at the CMPR to wholeheartedly pursuing his passion. Over this period, he crafted and presented over 35 original compositions, including notable pieces such as “At Dusk We Bloom,” “Skipping Rocks,” “Down to Earth,” and the acclaimed “Shooting Star.” The latter, a compelling movement for string orchestra, garnered widespread recognition through multiple performances by the conservatory’s String Orchestra, earning acclaim in prominent newspapers such as ENDI, El Vocero, and Primera Hora.

The success of “Shooting Star” propelled Rafael David into significant opportunities, including his participation in the prestigious “Film Scoring Academy of Europe” summer program in Varna, Bulgaria, in 2022. Following this, he achieved a rare acceptance without audition into one of the world’s top 20 M.F.A. programs, as highlighted by Hollywood Reporter’s ranking of the top schools globally. Rafael David embraced this esteemed opportunity, culminating in his relocation to Sofia, Bulgaria, upon completing his bachelor’s degree.

In his final year at the CMPR, Rafael David assumed the role of resident composer for the CMPR Concert Jazz Band, presenting diverse jazz subgenre pieces and arrangements. Amidst these arrangements, a notable mention goes to the collaboration with the local jazz fusion group, Resonus. Orchestrating the pieces “Scoz” and “Guacamole,” the concert garnered unprecedented acclaim from a captivated audience. In addition to these accomplishments, his composition “Tribal” for brass wind ensemble secured the first-place position in the inaugural “Puerto Rico Classical Music Initiative,” further solidifying his reputation. Rafael David’s music garnered attention in interviews with local media, featuring on various radio stations and television channels. Collaborating with chamber groups within the institution, he also contributed compositions for instrumental studies.

Furthermore, Rafael David’s impact extends globally, with over 20 of his compositions recorded by the European Recording Orchestra. Under the direction of eminent industry figures like Dr. Andy Hill (Former Vice President of Music at Disney), Dr. Norman Ludwin (Orchestrator for Michael Giacchino and a Hollywood bassist for over 40 years), and Jon Shanes (Composer for Bleeding Fingers), his work has reached international audiences, adding another layer to his multifaceted musical journey.