Originally from Hamburg, Rafael got lost after an odyssey through Central Europe and decided to stay in the Rhineland, too lazy to find his way home.
A solo violist at the Cologne Academy since 2015, he also claims to be an aviation geek and trekkie, fond of travel and photography. Quote: “The best part is flying on concert tour, trying local beers and photographing them. Unfortunately, I can’t get beamed.”
In his modesty, he forgets to mention that local cuisine is also very interesting for someone who likes to cook at home for his family. He can play five chords – including C major – on the harpsichord.
Rafael likes to walk in the forest, not without spreading bread crumbs. He is a permanent member of the UN’s commission on fry jokes and resides in a manageable estate in Beethoven’s hometown.