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Abby Newton is a renowned cellist and composer in the world of classical music. Born in 1956 in New York City, Abby grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a classical pianist. Abby started playing the cello at the age of nine and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Abby's talent for the cello was evident from a young age, and she began studying with some of the best teachers in the country. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City, where she studied with Leonard Rose, one of the most famous cellists of the 20th century. After graduating from Juilliard, Abby continued her studies with the renowned cellist and teacher, Bernard Greenhouse. Abby's career as a professional cellist began in the 1970s when she joined the New York City Opera Orchestra. She also played with the New York Philharmonic and the American Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her work as an orchestral musician, Abby was also a sought-after chamber musician. She played with some of the most prestigious chamber ensembles in the country, including the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Guarneri Quartet. In the 1980s, Abby began to focus more on her work as a soloist and composer. She released her first solo album, "Crossing to Scotland," in 1986. The album featured Abby's arrangements of traditional Scottish tunes, as well as some of her own compositions. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped establish Abby as a leading figure in the world of Celtic music. Abby continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "Castles, Kirks, and Caves" and "A Celtic Christmas." Her music was praised for its beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Abby's compositions were also featured in several films and television shows, including "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Outlander." In addition to her work as a musician, Abby was also a dedicated teacher. She taught cello at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at the Swannanoa Gathering, a summer music camp in North Carolina. She also taught workshops and master classes around the world, sharing her knowledge and passion for the cello with students of all ages and skill levels. Abby's contributions to the world of music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1999, she was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Folk and Traditional Arts. In 2002, she was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. In 2016, she was awarded the North Carolina Heritage Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state's traditional arts and culture. Abby's legacy as a musician and composer continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. Her dedication to the cello and her passion for traditional music have helped to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and other Celtic nations. Her music is a testament to the power of art to connect people across cultures and generations, and to the enduring beauty of the cello as an instrument of expression and emotion.

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