Leighann Daihl Ragusa

Development Director

Leighann Daihl, historical flutist, has concertized throughout central Europe as well as the United States both as a soloist and as a collaborator of chamber and orchestral music.  Her playing has been regarded as "invigoratingly fresh and perky" (Bachtrack) as well as "some of the most spirited, stylish, and nuanced playing" (Chicago Classical Review).  Leighann regularly plays with period instrument ensembles thorughout the Midwest, like New Comma Baroque, Baroque Band, the Newberry Consort,  and the Bach and Beethoven Ensemble.  Her performances can frequently be heard on Chicago's Classical Radio Station WFMT, 98.7.  In the spring of 2014 she was chosen to give a Dame Myra Hess Memorial concert which was broadcast live on WFMT.  In addition, she has been fortunate enough to work under such notable conductors as Jeffrey Thomas, Barthold Kuijken, Jeanne Lamon, Stanley Ritchie, Harry Bicket, and Peter Kooij.  In addition to performing, Leighann is an avid teacher, teaching both flute and piano, in the greater Chicago-land area as well as in Southern Indiana.  Leighann also gives Baroque performance practice workshops to modern and period instrumental players.  Leighann holds a Bachelor's degree in modern flute from DePauw University (Greencastle, IN) as well as a Master's degree in modern flute from Indiana University (Bloomington, IN).  In addition, she holds a Bachelor's degree in traverso from The Royal Conservatory of The Hague (The Hague, The Netherlands) and a Master's degree in traverso from Indiana University.  Leighann has also been the recipient of the prestigious Netherland-American fulbright grant.