Rafael Font is a Sydney-based violinist and violist specialising in historically informed performance, spanning from the early Baroque to the Romantic period. Acclaimed for his virtuosity and improvisational skills, he regularly performs with leading Australian period ensembles, including the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Pinchgut Opera, and Bach Akademie Australia.

A passionate educator, Rafael has taught at institutions such as the Sydney Conservatorium’s Early Music Ensemble, the Sydney Baroque Festival, and the Australian Haydn Ensemble Academy.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Rafael began violin studies at age five. He later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London under Jacqueline Ross and Pavlo Beznosiuk, before specializing in Historically Informed Performance at the Royal Conservatorium of The Hague with Kati Debretzeni and Walter Reiter.

Rafael has performed across Europe with prestigious ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and La Serenissima, under renowned conductors like Sir Colin Davis, Frans Brüggen, and William Christie.

A versatile performer and scholar, Rafael's research interests include improvisation, cadenzas, historical intonation, Romantic-era tempo modification, and period-specific instrument setup.

Bio updated Mar 2025