Cellist Abigail Leidy is from Virginia studying under Professor Alan Rafferty at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. In support of her undergraduate studies, Abigail is the recipient of several music scholarships, including the Conservatory Honors Scholar Award, Vaughn Hedrick Music Scholarship, Epperson Music Award Fund, and 3Arts Scholarship Fund. At CCM, Abigail is a member of the Philharmonia Orchestra and is an active chamber musician.
As a fellow in the 2023 Christopher Rex Spring Institute at the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Abigail had the opportunity to study with and perform alongside the Dover String Quartet. As a chamber musician, she has received mentorship from the Ariel String Quartet, the Dover String Quartet, Kurt Sassmannshaus, and Saeunn Thorsteindottir.
Abigail has performed in masterclasses for Clive Greensmith, Hans Jørgen Jensen, Johannes Moser, Gary Hoffman, and Zlatomir Fung, among others. Abigail is the first-prize winner of competitions including the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association Competition, Eastern Music Festival Concerto Competition, RSYO Concerto Competition, and ArtsLive Young Artist Competition. These competitions allowed her the opportunity to perform as soloist with the Richmond Symphony, Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, and Eastern Music Festival Orchestra.
As founder and President of the University of Cincinnati Cello Society, Abigail enjoys organizing masterclass opportunities and orchestra concert trips, and assists in the commissioning of new works for cello.