About Rachel
Internationally known Lyric Mezzo-Soprano Rachel Velarde began her music career at the Indiana University School of Music in the Indiana University Children’s Choir (under the direction of Mary Goetze & Jean Sinor) and the Indiana University Young Pianists’ Program. After receiving her B.A. in Music from Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, Rachel earned two Master of Music degrees (one each in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy) at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
Luminaries she has worked with include Vernon Hartman, James Caraher, Lorenzo Malfatti, Shirlee Emmons, Mary Sue Hyatt, John Sikora, David Jones, Kamal Khan, Hugh Keelan, David Britton, and Carol Smith.
Recently returned from a performance tour of Italy (performing Frugola in Il Tabarro, Zita in Gianni Schicchi and La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica, as well as opera scenes & oratorio solos) Rachel continues to perform regularly with the Arizona Opera. Rachel is the first place Arizona winner at the 2008 National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA) competition. She was a finalist in the 2000 Palm Springs Opera Guild Competition in Palm Springs, California, won First Place in the 2008 Arizona NATS Student Auditions Doctoral Division, has performed with the Catalina Chamber Orchestra in Dido and Aeneas, and performed Zita in Gianni Schicchi with the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and with the Arizona State University Lyric Opera Theater.
Rachel performed at Opera in the Ozarks as Lady with a Hat Box/Foreign Singer in Dominick Argento’s Postcard from Morocco under the direction of Vern Sutton. She also helped coach the role of the Witch for Opera in the Ozarks’ school production of Hansel and Gretel. She regularly performs with Warren Cohen and the Ars Nova String Ensemble as Alto Soloist in both oratorio and operatic works.
At Christmas 2007, she performed as a soloist for sitting Arizona Governor, Janet Napolitano, and former Arizona Governor, Rose Moffett. Rachel teaches an active studio of young singers who regularly compete in local competitions. She continues to explore and improve her own voice through regular practice, lessons, and performances. She is active in the Arizona Central-Northern chapter of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and the local AGMA organization.
Contact Rachel through the “Contact Rachel” tab on this website.
