Rachel Stroud

Rachel Stroud is a violinist, musicologist, and advocate of historical performance. She holds a doctorate from King’s College, Cambridge, where she explored issues of notation and performance in Beethoven’s late string quartets. Rachel’s formative studies included a first-class degree at Cambridge and advanced training in historical performance at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague with Walter Reiter and Kati Debretzeni.

A versatile performer, Rachel balances academic inquiry with an active freelance career. She has toured with the European Union Baroque Orchestra and appeared as a guest artist with Les Passions de L'Ame in Bern, where she hosted a celebrated salon series on Beethoven’s symphonies. Closer to home, she directs baroque ensembles such as Norwich Baroque, Bury Baroque, and The Geldart Ensemble. She is a founding member of the Cambridge String Quartet.

Rachel is equally committed to education and outreach. She lectures and leads workshops on historical performance internationally and locally, mentors students, and serves as an ABRSM examiner. During lockdown, she curated a popular online listening club dedicated to Beethoven’s quartets, fostering engagement with classical music in a time of isolation.