Rachel Bruerville
Composer, musician
What is your musical background?
I’m very proud and grateful to have had music in my life from the very beginning, thanks to my mum who is a professional violinist, and my twin sister who is also a violinist, singer, and currently the lead singer of the Air Force Band. I started learning the cello when I was seven years old, and around that time also joined the Adelaide Girls’ Choir (now Young Adelaide Voices), which has been the foundation of my music education. I then attended Marryatville High School’s special interest music centre, took a left turn to study some science subjects at university, but eventually found my way to the Elder Conservatorium where I studied composition. These days, I piece together my musical career with a combination of composing, performing, and arts administration – it’s tough, but amazing!
What is your advice to singers performing your works?
Above all, have fun! Share the joy of telling these stories in song together. Also, I am not a control freak about my scores, so please feel free to make any tweaks to suit your group. You know your choir best, and what will work for them. I am always very happy to discuss modifications to existing pieces, including revoicing, simplification, transposition etc.
Songs by Rachel:
Journey to Heard Island (2-part treble with piano)
What are your favourite pieces you’ve composed?
I’ve always wanted to write an Australian carol, so Mistletoebird is a piece that is close to my heart. It’s also the first song that I’ve written the complete lyrics for, without any quotes or inspiration from other sources – I had attempted this with new songs many previous times, but had always abandoned them… so, maybe one day those ideas will be fit for public sharing, but not today! I have also been a great admirer of the Hush Foundation catalogue of Australian music for many years, and I’m so happy to be included in Volume 18 of their collection with my piece Dancing on Tiptoes – it has a melody that makes me feel calm and uplifted.