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As a young child Abigail had a fascination with music, she started playing the Cello at the age of eight after trying several other instruments including Piano and Flute. Abigail gained a scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) after gaining three A's at A Level, where she studied under the tuition of Peter Esswood, Head of Strings. During her final year at RWCMD Abigail accepted a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music (RCM), London where her talents were further developed with the guidance of Alexander Boyarsky.
Whilst at the RWCMD Abigail performed in all the major ensembles as principal cellist. She was also privileged enough to perform privately for HRH the Prince of Wales on his visit to Cardiff to open the new Sir Anthony Hopkins centre at the RWCMD. As principal cellist of the RWCMD String Ensemble Abigail performed at the Halifax Square Chapel Festival in 1999 and as a member of the Aradia String Quartet performing Schnittke's quartet No.3.
During her time at RWCMD Abigail was given the opportunity to perform in all masterclasses offered including amongst them ones taken by the distinguished cellists Steven Isserlis and Raphael Walsfich, and with The Allegri Quartet and The Brodsky Quartet as part of the Aradia String Quartet. Abigail was awarded the chance to take part in the placement scheme with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and was also offered a scholarship to attend the Salzkammergut International Summer School in Austria with the Royal Academy of Music. Whilst at the college Abigail received Highly Commended for her performance in the Louis Cohen Bach Scholarship competition and was also awarded the Peter Esswood String prize for her outstanding performance in her final recital.
As a soloist Abigail has performed the Elgar Cello Concerto (1st Movement), Saint-Saens Cello Concerto in A min, the Vivaldi Double Cello Concerto, and Faure's 'Elegie' in a tour of Southern France with the Cheltenham Chamber Orchestra. Abigail also took part in the Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year Competition, 1998 and RWCMD concerto trials 1998 & 1999 where her beautiful tone rightfully earned her a place in the finals.
Whilst studying at the Royal College of Music, Abigail performed as principal of the New Perspectives Ensemble, The Clarion Ensemble and the Composers Ensemble. Abigail has also played in some more diverse performances including the sound tracks to films recorded whilst at the RCM and with the band 'Eeblee' at the Oxford Truck festival.
As a founder member of The Aradia Duet Abigail has performed all over the UK including a recital at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama which included the World Premiere of 'Seeds of Destruction' by Alun Taylor, as part of the London Chamber Group as guest ensemble, at St Catherines Church in Wales performing the Vivaldi Double cello Concerto and Poppers 'Requiem', at The National Gallery London as part of the Belle Shenkham Music Series, The Barn, Walton on Thames as part of the Musicair Starsigns concert series and the Pitville Pump Rooms in Cheltenham and also corporate engagements at Berkeley Castle, Winchester Guildhall, The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall and Fulton House Swansea.
As part of the Aradia Duet with her friend and colleague Emma Bryden, they have received coaching from Jerome Pernoo, Madeline Mitchell, Alexander Boyarsky and Lowri Blake. The duet have had pieces commissioned specifically for them, one of which is a new Double Cello Concerto written by the Welsh Composer Christopher Painter and also 'Light Inaccessible' for two cellos by Carson Cooman which is due to be recorded by the duet in the near future.
Since leaving Education Abigail has played with the National Musicians Symphony Orchestra, the South Wales Sinfonia as co-principal and is working with the Andara Ensemble. AbigailŐs excellent musical interpretation has been enjoyed throughout the UK and abroad including Austria, France and Belgium. Abigail currently plays on an English Cello c.1800 made by Corsby of London.
