Rachel began the violin at the age of five and at nine, was accepted into the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music. Here she was encouraged to apply for the Purcell School where she completed her schooling, studying with Erik Houston.
Rachel then went on to study for her bachelor’s degree and subsequently a Master of Performance at the Royal College of Music with Professors Yossi Zivoni and Gabrielle Lester, supported by a Henry Wood scholarship.
During her time at college, Rachel participated in masterclasses with Leonid Krebel, Peter Shumayer, Ulf Hoelscher and Alina lbragimova. She has also performed as a soloist and chamber musician in notable venues such as Wigmore Hall, Weill Recital Hall and Watford Colosseum.
Rachel is a keen chamber musician and orchestral player and since graduating in 2014, has become a deputy and extra player for the Ulster Orchestra.
What do you love about classical music?
It’s probably the only thing that I can get totally absorbed by, which is saying something as I’m quite easily distracted! – It’s my form of meditation.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Sibelius symphonies and violin concerto, Mozart’s Dissonance quartet and Radiohead.
Which people, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Isaac Stern, Agatha Christie and Jane Austen.