Roots & Rays Rundown - 03.04.2025

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Rachele Gilmore began her journey as a classical singer at a young age. Participating in choir at school, singing as a soloist in church, and also being selected for All-state chorus, she cemented her passion for music early on. She continued her vocal studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, and received a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance. She went on to further studies at Boston University, and later participated in training programs with Glimmerglass Opera, Florida Grand Opera, and the Aspen Music Festival. During her time in New York City, she also regularly sang in the choir at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Over the past twenty years, Rachele has carved out an impressive career in classical music and opera. She performed regularly with some of the top opera companies in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Grand Théâtre de Genève, La Monnaie in Brussels, Bayerische Staatsoper, Opera Philadelphia, Glimmerglass Opera, and Opéra de Lille, among others. Specializing in the coloratura soprano repertoire, some of her signature roles included Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Zerbinetta in Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos, and Olympia in Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann. She also has a passion for symphonic music, in particular sacred works. She has sung Handel’s Messiah with the San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, and upcoming this Christmas season with the North Carolina Symphony. In addition, she has sung with The Los Angeles Philharmonic, BBC Orchestra in London, Seoul Symphony Orchestra in Korea, Seattle Symphony, and the Indianapolis Symphony. She was a winner in Placido Domingo’s Operalia World Opera Contest in Paris. Rachele lives in Wilmington with her husband Dinyar and their three cats. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yoga, and spending time with her family. She is excited to start a new phase of community and service in her career, and become a part of the Red Clay Creek family.