Harpist Abigail Kent communicates emotions and stories through music, using the harp as a passport to the human heart. An international award-winning harpist, Fanfare Magazine recognized her for “immaculate playing and musical sensitivity.” Some of Abigail’s international awards and honors include “New Artist” in Musical America International Magazine, winner of the touring “Concert Artist” position for the American Harp Society, and Live Finalist for the Young Concert Artist International Auditions. Most recently, they received 3rd prize at the 2022 Korea International Harp Competition. 

As a player of two worlds and genres, they incorporate music and influences from both classical and traditional Celtic music. Abigail created a “dueling harp” program at the Dutch Harp Festival in 2018, titled “The Feminine Musique.” For this performance, she alternated using both types of harps to perform music composed or influenced by women. Throughout the performance, her costume changes symbolized a shift to a different era, character, or composer.

Focusing on women as well as composers of other marginalized identities is integral to their programming. She especially champions the music of Henriette Renié, a harpist prodigy, composer, and pedagogue from the early 20th century. Renié’s music is virtuosic, often conveying a sense of spirituality or drama. 

Abigail is also in high demand as an orchestral harpist. She is the Principal Harpist Fellow of New World Symphony and has also performed with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Savannah Philharmonic, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. Her performances at international festivals include the Aspen Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Pacific Music Festival (Sapporo, Japan), and Tanglewood Music Festival.

A committed teacher and educator, Abigail is on the harp faculty at College of Charleston, having created two different and individualized pathways to study the harp that mirror her own double identity: traditional lever harp and classical pedal harp. Abigail has presented masterclasses and lectures for the American Harp Academy, the 2019 American Harp Society National Institute, The Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School. 

Kent studied at and earned degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London, Curtis Institute of Music, Mannes School of Music, and most recently received the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts from The Juilliard School.