Maestra • For the women and nonbinary people who make the music in the musical theater industry.

Biography

From rock bands to chamber music ensembles to experimental music, cellist Rachel Gawell distinguishes herself by pairing a rigorous conservatory skill set with enthusiasm for expanding what is possible on her instrument. A multi-instrumentalist, Rachel studied classical cello with a focus on contemporary repertoire at Peabody Conservatory and Rotterdams Conservatorium. She can be seen performing regularly on cello and guitars at Waitress the Musical, Feinsteins/54 Below, and Rockwood Music Hall. Rachel's songwriting project Baba Sonya enjoyed viral success with her song "Human-Made Machines" reaching over 147,000 streams on Spotify. She has toured with rock and classical groups such as River City Extension, The Ballroom Thieves, and The Ricciotti Ensemble. Gawell's playing is featured on Baba Sonya's four EPs, River City Extension's final LP 'Deliverance' and The Ballroom Thieves 2011-2013 releases. A Maryland native, Rachel currently lives in Astoria.