RACHEL WADDELL

By uplifting, celebrating, and reflecting the artistry of our neighbors, orchestras become the creative heartbeat of our communities.
BIO
With energy, imagination, and a passion for people, American conductor Rachel Waddell proves an unabashed advocate for the 21st century orchestra. Her leadership across the country demonstrates her innate ability to transform vision into action. Rachel believes by uplifting, celebrating, and reflecting the artistry of our neighbors, orchestras become the creative heartbeat of our communities. Whether tackling Also sprach Zarathustra, reimagining Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a live-action Dungeons and Dragons quest, or commissioning a new work, Rachel curates programs that highlight symphonic music’s vitality and relevance. Through breathtaking collaborations and an untiring dedication to education, mentorship, and community, Rachel inspires transformative experiences and ensembles.

SCHEDULE
SUMMER 2023
Le Domaine Forget de Charlevoix
Conducting Program
July 10 - 23, 2023
with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Kensho Watanabe
NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!

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