Rachael McAuley is a mezzo-soprano originally from Ottawa, Ontario, where she grew up constantly singing around her childhood house (and annoying her siblings endlessly while doing so!). Rachael began taking voice lessons at the age of eight, and has had a passion for vocal performance ever since. While her taste in music has evolved from Disney to opera, she still carries the same sense of joy and wonder into her approach to performance that she had all those years ago.

After having recently taken a few years away from pursuing singing professionally, Rachael has made herself at home on the west coast of Canada, and is making her mark in the Vancouver music scene. Since reembarking on the journey of pursuing a career in music in the past year, she is thankful to have performed with Edmonton Opera, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and Early Music Vancouver.

Beyond her musical pursuits, Rachael loves the outdoors and recently returned from a transformative month at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, where she immersed herself in new operatic works while exploring the Canadian Rockies. Creating accessible opportunities for people to enjoy opera and live performance is a pillar of Rachael’s artistic mission. Rachael frequently combines her love of the outdoors and her passion for music by performing in outdoor spaces such as public parks, and community spaces to create accessible opportunities for folks to enjoy opera.

Rachael has immense pride in her achievement of being named a winner of the Western Canada District in the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Rachael holds a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Western University, and continues to refine her artistry under the mentorship of mezzo soprano, Krisztina Szabo. Recent role highlights include Judith (Understudy) in Bluebeard’s Castle, Serena Joy in Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Serse in Serse, and Mercédès in Carmen. Rachael is looking forward to joining Edmonton Opera to play Rossweisse in Die Walküre this spring.

Please feel free to learn more about Rachael by reaching out via email, or visiting her Instagram page!