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“[A] beautiful dramatic voice and interpretation of Buttonback [that] brought out new dimensions to it.”
Mary Ann Griebling, composer of The Lament of the Very Proud Button-Back Chair
Mezzo-Soprano Rachel Velarde began her music career at Indiana University. After receiving her B.A. in Music from Smith College, Rachel earned two Master of Music degrees (Vocal Performance/Vocal Pedagogy) at Arizona State University.
After a 2008 performance tour of Italy, Rachel continues to perform regularly around Arizona. Rachel was a finalist in the 2009 Giulio Gari Foundation International Vocal Competition and first place Arizona winner at the 2008 NATSAA competition.
Rachel teaches an active studio of singers. In the 2010-2011 school year former students will be voice majors at Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, University of Southern California, and Marymount Manhattan College. Rachel continues to explore and improve her own voice through practice, private voice lessons with Mary Sue Hyatt, and regular performances. She is the President of the Valley of the Sun chapter of NATS, the secretary/treasurer of the local AGMA Union, is a member of MTNA and NYSTA.
“Beautiful singing – clear and flexible. Very musical and [she] goes to the edge!”
Anne Elgar Kopta – Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
