Compared to Paavo Järvi in a review by Clemens Haustein in the Berliner Zeitung; described also as ‘a serious musician and a very sensitive and dynamic conductor’ and by William Pleeth as ‘a musician of great integrity and insight’ Rachael Montesino Young began studying conducting in 2009 having been a professional cellist.
A New Zealand born Briton, Rachael’s notable career highlights have taken her to South America and Europe, including her successful German debut at The Philharmonie Berlin with The Deutsches Kammerorchester Berlin and renowned Russian pianist Viktoria Postnikova and successful debuts with Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Chile; Orquesta Sinfonica de Porto Alegre, Brazil; Orquesta Sinfonica de Montevideo, Uruguay; Orquesta Sinfonica de San Juan, Argentina and Kharkov Philharmonic Orchestra in the Ukraine.
London concerts include apearances with the Russian Virtuosi of Europe at Cadogan Hall and the English Sinfonia with BBC Young Musician 2010, pianist Lara Melda. These concerts were broadcast on the BBC World Service arts program ‘The Strand’ and Rachael has also been featured on BBC Radio 3 arts program ‘In Tune’.
Further highlights include her selection by the Royal Opera House Covent Garden for both their emerging conductors’ programs in opera and ballet.
As assistant conductor Rachael has worked with Paavo Järvi in concerts and recordings with The Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra - notably in recordings with Steven Isserlis, The NDR Elbphilharmonie Staatsorchester, The Estonian Festival Orchestra, The Deutsches Kammerphilharmonie Bremen working with violinist Viktoria Mullova and The Philharmonia Orchestra, London. She has also assisted Merek Janowski at the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and Leonid Grin in concerts with the Nürnberger Symphoniker and Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Finland.
Rachael graduated with a B. Mus in cello performance and English literature from Victoria University, New Zealand and after winning a scholarship from The Boston Conservatory, spent a post graduate year studying cello in America. When winning a New Zealand Arts council scholarship, Rachael then went on to study with world-renowned cello teacher William Pleeth after winning a place in his London cello studio.