Applauded for “some of the most spirited, stylish, and nuanced playing” (Chicago Classical Review) as well as her “invigoratingly fresh and perky interpretation” (Bachtrack), Leighann Daihl Ragusa, is an accomplished musician, performing on both historical and modern flutes. She has concertized throughout central Europe as well as the United States both as a soloist and as a collaborator of chamber and orchestral music. In 2007, Leighann was a major prizewinner in the National Flute Association’s Baroque Flute Competition and has been fortunate to work under such notable conductors as Jeffrey Thomas, Barthold Kuijken, Jeanne Lamon, Stanley Ritchie, Harry Bickett, and Peter Kooij. In addition, her performances can frequently be heard on Chicago’s Classical Radio Station WFMT, 98.7
Based in the midwest, Leighann earned degrees in modern flute from DePauw University and Indiana University as well as degrees in historical flutes from The Royal Conservatory of the Hague (The Netherlands) and Indiana University. Her primary flute teachers included Wilbert Hazelzet, Michael McCraw, Kate Lucas, Trevor Wye, Anne Reynolds, Barbara Gisler-Haase and Cate Hummel. Leighann has also been the recipient of the prestigious Netherland-American Fulbright grant.
In addition to an active performance career, Leighann is an avid studio teacher of aspiring and professional flutists, and offers masterclasses and workshops on ornamentation and historically informed performance practices.