Raised in Denver, Colorado, violinist Rafa Prendergast (they/them)​ is an active performer of works dating from the early 17^th century through the present day. Recent highlights include serving as concertmaster and leader of Opera Praktikos’ inaugural production, a residency and concert at the University of Michigan’s School of Music with NYC-based ensemble Nuova Pratica, and performing as a featured soloist alongside Rachel Podger with Juilliard415.

Rafa has performed as part of the Death of Classical series, Gotham Early Music Scene’s Midtown Concerts series, and WQXR’s Midday Masterpieces series, and has appeared as a soloist with American Bach Soloist Academy orchestra and Music City Baroque. Notable masterclasses include William Christie, Harry Bicket, and Rachel Podger.

Rafa is an avid ensemble musician and has performed chamber music in venues from the west coast to New York City and abroad, most notably, in Paris at the Cité de la Musique. As an orchestral musician, Rafa has traveled around the world with Juilliard415, from regular performances at Alice Tully Hall to the Grand salle Pierre Boulez with Les Arts Florissants, and toured across New Zealand with Chamber Music New Zealand.

Rafa has also performed with ensembles such as the Nashville Sinfonietta, Eschaton New Music Ensemble, Early Music City, Music City String Quartet, and the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, and they have participated in festivals including Madeline Island Chamber Music, California Summer Music, the Colorado Music Festival, and Vanderbilt Music Academy in Aix-en-Provence. Rafa has been awarded the Jean Keller Heard Prize for Excellence in String Performance, the Potter Opportunity Award, and a Juilliard Career Grant.

Rafa holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, studying under Carolyn Huebl and Maria Romero and graduating magna cum laude; and a Master of Music Degree from The Juilliard School studying with Cynthia Roberts, Elizabeth Blumenstock, and Robert Mealy, and was a recipient of the full tuition Historical Performance Scholarship.

Rafa is represented by WoopWoop Music @woopwoopmusic.