Rachel Kobernick is a soprano currently based in Cincinnati, OH. Her recent role engagements include the role of Nella in Opera on the James’ production of Gianni Schicchi, as well as covering the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Undina with Queen City Opera. This past summer, Rachel sang in the choruses of Lucia di Lammermoor and Madame Butterfly with Cincinnati Opera. She will return there this fall to workshop the role of Willie alongside Christine Goerke in Lincoln in the Bardo, a new Missy Mazzoli work commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera. Additionally, she will premiere two new roles in Nathan Felix’s immersive opera series.
In 2022, Rachel joined Opera on the James as a young artist, performing Pamina and The Queen of the Night in a touring version of Magic Flute, and the Shepherd in Tosca. That summer, she joined Cincinnati Opera as a chorus member in Aida and La Boheme and joined Queen City Opera in their production of Fidelio. In the Spring, she premiered the role of Radcliffe in Nathan Felix’s Immersive Opera “The Great Flood”, as well as sang the soprano solo in Joseph Shwantner’s orchestral work, Sparrows, with Musica Nova at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.
Rachel enjoys performing works from all areas of the operatic repertoire. In particular, she loves early music and frequently performs baroque repertoire, both solo and with chamber ensembles. Rachel is also passionate about opera outreach and education, and frequently enjoys performing in community engagement projects with Cincinnati Opera and Opera on the James. Additionally, Rachel has experience in the world of straight plays, performing Lindsay Partain’s one woman play “The Way You Made Me” last September.
Aside from performing, Rachel has gained experience in stage management and opera direction, working professionally with the Ohio Light Opera Company during the summer of 2018 and with the Eastman Opera Theatre for over six productions. Rachel is currently a cantorial soloist at Isaac. M Wise Temple in Cincinnati, where she regularly cantors shabbat and high holiday services. Additionally, Rachel works as the Music Assistant for both contemporary and traditional worship at Epiphany United Methodist Church in Loveland, OH.
Rachel graduated with a master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where she studied with Gwen Coleman. In the spring of 2020, she graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a BM in vocal performance, where she studied with Robert Swensen. Rachel currently has a private studio where she teaches voice, piano, and music theory to students of all ages, and is always welcoming new students! In addition to her focus on opera, production, and outreach, Rachel has a love for languages and graduated with an Italian minor as well as a certificate in arts leadership.