Rachel Gawell Burns

Biography

From rock bands to chamber music ensembles to experimental music, cellist Rachel Gawell Burns distinguishes herself by pairing a rigorous conservatory skill set with 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 (The Netherlands). She has performed onstage on Broadway in Six (guitar) and Waitress the Musical (cello/guitar), and in the pit orchestra at Frozen (cello) and Funny Girl (cello). Rachel's song "Human-Made Machines" was featured on Spotify's "US Viral Top 50" playlist in 2015, and can be found under the band name Baba Sonya. She has toured with Six, River City Extension, and The Ballroom Thieves among others. Rachel's cello playing is featured on the A24 film "Problemista", Lady Lamb's full-length album "In The Mammoth Nothing of the Night", and many other releases. A Maryland native, Rachel currently lives in Astoria with her wife, stage manager Kayliane Burns.