In this conversation with the really inspiring cellist, Rachel Mercer, we discuss the arc of her career so far as a chamber musician, soloist, principal cellist, the late Yehonatan Berick, an amazing violinist and pedagogue, who was her life partner, "Our Strength, Our Song" with her sister, the wonderful violinist Akemi Mercer-Niewöhner and many other chamber music collaborations and unique projects, as well as her way of approaching music. Rachel very generously made a special recording of the Prelude from J.S. Bach's fifth solo suite in C minor BWV 1011, and her heartfelt introduction to the power of this music is right after our conversation, so please keep listening till the end! There are timestamps below, and the Bach with her introduction is also a separate bonus episode.

The video version of this episode is here, linked on my website with the transcript: https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/e9-s2-rachel-mercer

To learn more about Rachel, her recordings and current projects: http://www.rachelmercercellist.com/

Help me with a tip? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman This podcast costs me a lot of time and money, and I could really use the help and encouragement. Thanks!

Photo credit: David Leyes

(00:00) Introduction

(02:24) Bonjour Strad and other cellos through Canada Council

(06:19) Baroque performance practice influences and Anner Bylsma

(11:41) Vriendenkrans competition and playing in the Concertgebouw

(13:44) debut solo record “Room”

(15:13) Ernst Reijseger

(16:10) Rachel’s studies with different teachers including Shauna Rolston, Laurence Lesser,Dmitri Ferschtman

(21:10) Aviv Quartet, experiences in South Africa and Israel

(24:49) Yehonatan Berick

(28:38) the influences of many different teachers

(30:13) Ilona Feher, Yehonatan’s teacher

(31:34) Rachel’s obaasan and the experience of Japanese Canadian families internment during the Second World War

(34:18) Rachel’s sister violinist Akemi Mercer-Niewöhner

(36:05) Return to Canada and a career as a chamber musician

(37:59) “Mosaïque Project” with Ensemble Made in Canada

(40:18) Playing orchestral auditions

(43:58) Pre-concert routine and mindfulness

(46:22) Dream journals and realizing projects

(47:34) album “Our Strength, Our Song” with sister Akemi Mercer-Niewöhner

(50:06) Rachel’s way of practicing and learning music

(55:08) Advice and inspiration from the younger generations of musicians

(57:10) Rachel’s introduction to the Bach

(59:03) Prelude from J.S. Bach’s fifth solo suite in C minor BWV 1011