RAFAEL MÉNDEZ

PRESS KIT

Short Biography (150 words)

Rafael Méndez began his flute studies in Barahona, Dominican Republic, and continued his training with Alaima González at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Santo Domingo. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Frost School of Music in 2024, studying with Jennifer Grim, and recently completed his Master of Music degree at the Yale School of Music under Tara O’Connor.

His honors include First Prize in the 2026 National Flute Association Young Artist Competition, First Prize in the NYFC Young Artist Competition, First Prize in the FFA Nancy Clew Ellert Young Artist Competition, the Graduate Presser Award, the Burkart Resona Piccolo Award, and First Prize in the Young Musician of the Caribbean Award. He was also a semifinalist in the Young Concert Artists Competition.

Rafael has performed at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, and Konzerthaus Berlin. He will join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as a Flute Fellow.