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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.  

Rachel Waddell_Headshot6_Edited by Graham.jpg

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"

"Lamentations"

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

SUMMER 2023

Le Domaine Forget de Charlevoix

Conducting Program

July 10 - 23, 2023

with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Kensho Watanabe

Schedule

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

Press

MEDIA

Reimagining Beethoven's Choral Fantasy

Fall 2020:
UR Orchestras Virtual Gala and Fundraiser

Media

CONTACT

Seeking like-minded people and orchestras to change our world.

Let's chat!

Contact

© 2022, Rachel Waddell

All Rights Reserved

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