Rebecca Merblum, originally from Connecticut, has been dedicated to chamber music throughout her life as a cellist. The Hartt School gave life to this connection as Rebecca worked with the Emerson String Quartet and Mitchell Stern (American String Quartet). It continued through her studies at the Cleveland Institute and the New England Conservatory where she went on to earn her Bachelor and Masters Degrees respectively.
Based in Minneapolis, Rebecca is a frequent substitute with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Liquid Music series. In addition, she was a guest artist with the acclaimed Cavani Quartet in 2018 and 2019. This collaboration furthered her connection to string quartets, as a former member of the Artaria Quartet (2016-2017) and a founding member of the Azmari Quartet, the Corbett Ensemble in Residence at Northern Kentucky University (2004-2009).
Ms. Merblum also enjoys performing engagements with the Cincinnati Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and has performed in the past as a guest artist with the Salastina Chamber Music Series, Sundays at LACMA, the Green Umbrella Series (Los Angeles Philharmonic) and Classical Encounters. Additional chamber music performances involved collaborations with Michele Zukovsky (LAPhil), Martin Chalifour (LAPhil), Ronald Leonard (LAPhil), Andrew Schulman (Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra) and Panic Group, an ensemble dedicated to the presentation of new music. Rebecca was also a substitute with both the LAPhil and LAOpera from 2010-2016 and can be heard on several film soundtracks.
Rebecca crafted collaborations during the pandemic with the James Sewell Ballet and composer Chad Hughes- exploring the evolution of dance forms from the 18th century to the present. This theme can be seen throughout her work - driven by the interwoven nature of the artistic process Rebecca also held a Target Center Residency through the pandemic at the Weisman Museum- Cello Conversations. The final panel ‘What Do You Hear’ can be heard here. Earlier in 2020 she was also awarded a grant for her initiative ‘Your Dance’ by Springboard for the Arts as they addressed Artists Combating Isolation. Rebecca is currently working in partnership with Fueled Collective on a new Chamber Music Series - Sound Dialogue. Her work with visual and textile artists has continued to unfold out of work featuring ongoing collaborations with Eyenga Bokamba and Jorie Ann Kosel. Rebecca was also a guest lecturer at the Longy School speaking to students engaged with Music in Alternative Spaces.
A dedicated teacher, Rebecca served as the Chair of the String Department at the Pasadena Conservatory from 2014-2016 where she was a member of the cello and chamber music faculties. Her students have gained recognition in numerous competitions and festivals including the Piatigorsky International Festival. Rebecca currently teaches at the MacPhail Center for Music and held the title of Artist in Residence in association with their Global Music Initiative in 2022. Her project entitled ‘Threads’ nurtured collaborations with writer Shannon Gibney, composer Chad Hughes, students in Minneapolis, and visual artist Moira Villiard. Rebecca also recently joined the faculty of Central Lakes College.
Rebecca is also very much involved in mentoring and working with students in Kenya, serving as Co-Artistic Director of the KICF - Kenya International Chamber Music Festival. Heading into its 4th Season, KICF will take place in January 2025. It represents the annual gathering of global musicians who continue to work tirelessly to manifest the dreams of students and communities throughout Kenya. Rebecca will be serving on a panel at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 2024 to share her experiences connected to creative activism.
Rebecca was recently recognized for the breadth of her work with a 2022-2023 McKnight Fellowship Grant. Rebecca has expanded her international teaching through Project Music Heals Us and now works with students in Africa and the Middle East.