Noted for her “sophisticated, compelling phrasing” and her “bright, commanding mezzo soprano” (San Diego Story), Rachael Bell is quickly establishing herself in multiple artistic roles as an enthusiastic and thoughtful storyteller. 

A passionate operatic performer, Rachael most recently appeared covering the fiery Piacere in Handel’s Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno with Opera NEO, where she was a Studio Artist this past summer, and in the chorus for Barber’s Vanessa with the Spoleto Festival USA. She performed earlier this season as Soeur Mathilde in Dialogues des Carmélites in her debut with the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where she is pursuing her Masters of Music in Voice. With Vanderbilt University Opera Theatre (her alma mater), Rachael appeared in five productions, including as Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Fanny Price in Jonathon Dove’s Mansfield Park, and Florence Pike in Albert Herring. Other favorite roles of hers include Ottavia in L’incoronazione di Poppea (Trentino Music Festival), Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro (Utah Vocal Arts Academy), and Agathe and Hélène in Passionnément (Lyrique-en-Mer Festival, Belle-Ile, France.) 

A rising concert artist, Rachael performed as the Alto Soloist in Handel’s Dixit Dominus during her time at the Spoleto Festival this past summer. She was delighted to perform Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater, for alto and orchestra, with Seven Hills Baroque in Cincinnati earlier this spring. She has also performed as the Alto Soloist for CCM’s fully staged and choreographed performance of Bach’s Magnificat, in a multimedia collaboration with Cincinnati Ballet.

When not performing, Rachael pursues secondary artistic opportunities in stage directing, film directing, and composing. She enjoys acrylic painting, board and card games, and visiting zoos and National Parks with her family. She is thrilled to be joining Seven Hills Baroque’s leadership team beginning with the 2023 season!