Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Rachel Levison began her musical journey at age 8 with piano and later immersed herself in the clarinet. A graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Music and minors in Music Business and French under Eric Ginsberg’s guidance, she refined her skills with Jason Shafer from the Colorado Symphony, earning her master’s from the University of Northern Colorado in May 2019. Rachel’s international performances span Mexico to Austria and Belgium, showcasing her versatility in operas, chamber music, and solo performances.
In summers, Rachel engages in various music festivals and camps, highlighting her versatility in operas, chamber music, and solo performances. Beyond her music career, she shares her expertise through teaching, leading clarinet sectionals, and contributing to camps like Blue Lake Fine Arts. Currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, under Dr. Diane Barger’s mentorship, Rachel draws inspiration from mentors like Stephanie Zelnick, Lauren Jacobson, Michelle Orman, and Reinhard Wieser. Amidst her musical pursuits, Rachel finds solace in the outdoors, often hiking the Colorado mountains with her English Bulldog, Bella.
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Gabriel Forero is an active solo, chamber, orchestral and baroque performer. He has performed concerts and recitals in the United States, Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Spain. He actively performs with various orchestras and chamber ensembles in the United States. During the last few years, he has devoted most of his time to researching the music of Heinrich Biber, his Mystery (Rosary) Sonatas and their historically informed performance practice, work that was honored with the American viola society’s 2023 David Dalton Research Competition’s first prize. As part of this research, he prepared a complete transcription of these complete sonatas for viola and basso continuo, which he performs in its entirety in a single recital setting. Outside the classical setting Gabriel has played for shows alongside the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Celtic Woman, Danny Elfman, Rachel Barton Pine, Sandy Cameron and Ezinma, just to name a few.
Gabriel, who currently serves as professor at the Wartburg College and at the UNI Suzuki School, completed his D.M.A. (viola performance) degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his M.M. (viola performance) degree from the University of Northern Iowa and his B.M. (viola performance) degree from the Colombian National University. His principal professors included Anibal Dos Santos, Julia Bullard and Clark Potter.
Rachel and Gabriel crossed paths during their doctorates at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. They have jointly performed for the UNL National Association of Schools of Music Recital and were finalists for the UNL Concerto Competition with the Bruch Double Concerto in E minor, Op. 88 for Clarinet and Viola. Mostly recently, the duo has won third place in the London Classical Music Competition 2023.
You can find the duet’s 2024 Spring Music Competition performance here.