Rachel Charbel

Raised in Bellingham, Washington, Rachel Charbel began studying the violin at the age of seven. As a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Rachel holds the Ida Ringling North chair. Past appointments include section positions in the Austin Symphony and Dayton Philharmonic, as well as Associate Concertmaster of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. In addition, Rachel has performed with the Detroit, Louisville, and Alabama symphony orchestras. Rachel received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Texas and a Master of Music degree from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Her principal teachers include Gabriel Pegis, Jorja Fleezanis, and Walter Schwede. After serving as Adjunct Professor of Violin at the Northern Kentucky University, Rachel now maintains a private studio of promising young violinists. An avid chamber musician, Rachel has performed with several ensembles including the Winstead Chamber Series, Concert:Nova, Apollo Music Festival, Florestan Chamber Music, and the Austin Chamber Music Festival. During the summer, Rachel has performed with the Britt, Astoria, Festival dei Due Mondi (Italy), and Bellingham music festivals, and served as concertmaster of the Spoleto Festival (USA). In her spare time, Rachel enjoys gardening, hiking, board games, and exploring what greater Cincinnati has to offer with her husband and two daughters.