Hello, Horn Community!
My name is Rachel Velvikis, and I am the core horn player for the all-women brass quintet, Seraph Brass. It is an honor to introduce both myself and the group to you.
Seraph’s goal is to encourage young women to pick up brass instruments. The reason for this is simple: people still, even in the 21st century, are sometimes shocked to see that women are as capable of playing brass instruments just as well as their male counterparts…or as loud as, or as long as…. We aspire to inspire.
Being in Seraph Brass has, in all honesty, saved my love of music, and it has helped me remember why I am a musician: the music has always been the reason to play. Music and the feelings we share together in it are sacred. If we can evoke an individual’s emotions through music, then I will always feel fortunate to perform with this group. If through Seraph I can inspire others to play an instrument, I will feel even more fulfilled.
Beyond our objectives, the repertoire is terrific! Here is Go by Anthony DiLorenzo—it’s one of my absolute favorite pieces to perform in concert:
As we are also dedicated to commissioning pieces by women, here is the middle movement of Catherine McMichael’s Asteria (also the title of our award-winning album):
Another great work commissioned by Seraph for this album is Renee Orth’s Leaguered in Fire, Lagooned in Gold. Asteria is available on all major streaming platforms.
It would be our great honor if you would listen to our music and, if you are able, come see us in concert. We travel around the world, so the best way to find us is through the EVENTS listing on the Seraph Brass website.
If you would like to know more about me, please visit my personal website.
We hope to see you on the road!
Rachel
