Rachel Therrien, a dynamic French-Canadian jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, has emerged as a distinctive voice in the contemporary jazz scene. With a career marked by three GRAMMY nominations, she is celebrated for her emotionally charged sound and fearless improvisation. Therrien's music is a bold fusion of contemporary jazz and Afro-diasporic traditions, seamlessly blending Afro-Caribbean and Latin American rhythms into a modern musical language.
Based in New York City, Montreal, and Havana, Therrien's artistry is deeply influenced by her cultural immersion and her mission to use jazz as a platform for community, belonging, and dialogue. Her accolades include the prestigious TD Grand Prize Jazz Award from the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Stingray Rising Star Award, alongside multiple JUNO and ADISQ nominations.
As a prolific leader, Therrien has released ten acclaimed albums, including the celebrated Latin Jazz Project (Mi Hogar / Mi Hogar II), which showcases her collaborative spirit and collective rhythm. She also delves into intimate musical conversations with her duo project, Dialogue Vol. I (2025) and Dialogue Vol. II (2026), alongside Spanish pianist Albert Marqués.
A sought-after performer, Therrien has graced the stages of renowned venues such as Blue Note NYC, SFJAZZ, Birdland, Duc des Lombards, Lincoln Center SummerStage, and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to her performance career, she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of musicians, teaching at NJCU and Christian McBride’s Jazz House Kids.