Principal Cello of the NAC Orchestra in Ottawa and Co-Artistic Director of the "5 at the First" Chamber Music Series in Hamilton, Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician across five continents. 

Described as a "pure chamber musician" (Globe and Mail) creating "moments of pure magic" (Toronto Star), Rachel plays with the Mercer-Park Duo, and was a member of JUNO-winning Ensemble Made In Canada (2008-20), and the Aviv Quartet (2002-10). 

An advocate for new Canadian music, Rachel has commissioned over 25 works including a cello concerto by Stewart Goodyear recently premiered with the NAC Orchestra, and an album of Canadian women composers released on Centrediscs. Rachel plays a 17th century cello from Northern Italy.