Rachael Lander is a session cellist based in London. She can be found most days performing in one of several theatre pits in the West End or in recording studios scoring music for albums, TV and film. She’s performed live backing for artists such as George Michael, Beyonce and Elbow, and is also a regular player in the London Chamber Orchestra. Rachael began her career in Raven String Quartet who enjoyed several highlights including performing with Madness in the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, and touring the Far East and South America.

Rachael is a recovering alcoholic. She got sober at 23 when crippling performance anxiety led her to abuse alcohol and beta blockers to the point where she could no longer perform. She has been very open about her relationship with alcohol and her experience of performance anxiety in the press. She has taken part in three documentaries about her experience of alcoholism and recovery and as a result is inundated with correspondence from fellow classically trained musicians who are struggling with the same issues she did, which is why Rachael is a passionate member of the Music Support team.

Listen to Rachael's inspirational interview with Dave 'Sober Dave' Wilson for his acclaimed One For The Road podcast here.