Rachael Watson
Originally from Aberdeen, Rachael started learning the flute and piano at a young age and received scholarship lessons at the North East of Scotland Music School before attending the Aberdeen City Music School. She went on to complete her undergraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music with Laura Jellicoe and Janet Richardson as tutors, graduating with a First Class Honours Degree. She later trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she attained a distinction in her Masters of Orchestral Artistry, studying with Sarah Newbold, Ian Clarke, Philippa Davies, Gareth Davies and Christopher Green.
During her studies, Rachael completed orchestral training programmes with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hallé and Dorset Opera Festival. She was a member of Sinfonia Smith Square for the 2024/25 season, which included performances at the BBC Proms and work with the Royal Opera House, Britten Sinfonia and Academy of St Martin in the Fields.
Rachael has also worked professionally with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and English Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she enjoys musical theatre and will return in 2026 for her third season as part of the orchestra of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show.
Rachael has always had a passion for pedagogy and balances her performance work with a busy teaching schedule. She has been a tutor with the National Youth Orchestra and has worked on a number of learning and participation projects with the education departments of Sinfonia Smith Square, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra.
When not performing or teaching Rachael enjoys reading, drinking coffee, travelling to new places and going to see live music and theatre.
Something I’m looking forward to:
Having recently returned to the North, I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone within Manchester Camerata and to work on projects in a city that I know and love with an inspiring group of musicians. I’m excited for the wide range of opportunities the fellowship presents to develop creative ideas and work within the wider community. I’ve also always loved chamber music and so I’m particularly looking forward to exploring new repertoire with the other members of the fellowship.
Music recommendation:
It’s difficult to choose one as I’m always listening to a variety of things ranging from classical to rock to musical theatre. I’m trying (with limited success!) to learn Portuguese, so at the moment I’ve got a lot of Brazilian stuff on rotation too, with artists like Rubel, Castello Branco and Caetano Veloso. However, recently I’ve been loving this alternative folk album, Thin White Road, by Scottish artist Michael McGovern.
