RACHEL WADDELL
To create shared musical experiences, where everyone feels inspired and welcome, I imagine a future where orchestras, our programs, and audiences reflect, align, and ally with our communities.
BIO
American conductor Rachel Waddell is in the business of shared experiences. She became a conductor because of her own love of the process of music creation, and she wants to enable as many as possible to share their own stories through music.
She believes 21st century orchestras have an opportunity to mirror the American people through diverse programs, orchestras, and audiences, and she is passionately committed to bringing that vision to fruition. She prides herself in her ability to grow orchestras and their resources, on her innovative programming, and her ability to build meaningful connections with her community.
SCHEDULE
SPRING 2023
"Through Her Eyes"
February 24, 2023
University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra
Strong Auditorium . University of Rochester, NY
8.00 pm EST
Leanna Primiani, 1001 for Orchestra and Pre-recorded Electronics
Eleanor Alberga, Tower
Ying Quartet, String Quartet
Carl Nielsen, Aladdin Suite
"Meet Us Here"
February 25, 2023
In Collaboration with the University of Rochester Pride Network, The University of Rochester Program of Dance, and the University of Rochester Choirs
University of Rochester Chamber Orchestra
Strong Auditorium . University of Rochester, NY
8.00 pm EST
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake Suite
UR Program of Dance
Craig Hella Johnson, Considering Matthew Shepard (Select Movements)
UR Choirs
Julie Covach, Conductor
Caroline Shaw, Music in Common Time
UR Choirs
"Eroica"
April 14, 2023
University of Rochester Chamber Orchestra
Strong Auditorium . University of Rochester, NY
8.00 pm EST
Bedřich Smetana, Overture to the Bartered Bride
Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor"
Atsuo Chiu, Piano
Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 3, "Eroica"
"Poems, Fantasies, and Confessions"
April 20, 2023
University of Rochester Symphony Orchestra
Strong Auditorium . University of Rochester, NY
8.00 pm EST
Augusta Holmès, Andromede
Donovan Snyder, Conductor
Max Bruch, Scottish Fantasy
Grace Speller, Violin
Dmitri Shostakovich, Symphony No. 5
PRESS
"A conductor of creativity and courage, worthy of high praise."
SEMI-FINALIST / VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE (PERFORMING REMOTELY) / 2021-22
3RD PLACE NATIONAL WINNER / VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD IN ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING / 2019-20
2ND PLACE NATIONAL WINNER / VYTAUTAS MARIJOSIUS MEMORIAL AWARD IN ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMMING / 2019-20
"Reimagining Beethoven" Wins 2021 Best Instrumental Performance
"Conductor inspires students to challenge selves, society."
"MUSICIANS OF ROCHESTER" / READ THE ARTICLE / LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW
"At once spunky and intimate, it was as if she thoughtfully absorbed every musical passage — whether calm and enchanting, or turbulent — and at the same time seemed to pour every note back into the ensemble. It was a sensibility eagerly reciprocated by the orchestra as it responded with marvelous tonal depth and palpable exuberance."
TOM WACHUNAS / CLEVELAND CLASSICAL / READ THE REVIEW
MEDIA
Reimagining Beethoven's Choral Fantasy
Fall 2020:
UR Orchestras Virtual Gala and Fundraiser
CONTACT
© 2022, Rachel Waddell
All Rights Reserved