Abigail Richards was born in England and also received her education there. As a child she was taught by her mother, then a scholarship from her 12e up to 18e to Chethams Music School. There she studied with David Hartigan and Murray McLachlan and won several awards, including the David Hartigan Memorial and the Dennis Midwood prize.
When she was eighteen, Abigail was granted admission and a scholarship to study with Carole Presland at the Royal Northern Music College in Manchester (RNCM). At the same time, she obtained a degree in Musicology from the University of Manchester, where she graduated with the endorsement of Excellent (First Class Honours). During her time as a student in Manchester, Abigail participated in many exciting music projects, including performances at the Beethovenfest, Schubertfest and Glories of the Keyboard and Piano 2000 festivals. She was also active as a chamber musician, notably as pianist in the Stadler Trio with which she won the 2000 Granada Prize and subsequently performed throughout the UK. Abigail has won many awards and scholarships from both the RCNM and the University of Manchester, and in 2002 she was among the winners of the RCNM Keyboard Competition, so that she was invited to perform in their Young Artists concerts the following season.
In 2006, Abigail completed her master's degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where she studied with David Kuyken. During her studies, Abigail participated in two master classes conducted by Murray Perahia and played Beethoven's Piano Concert no. 4 with the CvA Orchestra. She was also a member of Ensemble Pavone, with which she won the audience award of the Almere Chamber Music Competition.
She now works regularly with the singers Florieke Beelen and Rea Fueter with whom she participates in the Master's Song Class conducted by Udo Reinemann. Abigail also works as an accompanist for the classes of principal study voice teacher Valérie Guillorit and freelances for the National Touring Opera.
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