Abigail Petersen is an accomplished singer, pianist, songwriter, educator, and composer whose career spans performance, recording, theatre, and higher education both locally and internationally. A graduate of the University of Cape Town’s South African College of Music, she holds an Honours Degree in Jazz Performance, majoring in Jazz Piano and Jazz Voice, as well as a Master’s Degree, awarded with distinction, specialising in Composition and Jazz Voice.
Over the course of her career, Abigail has performed extensively both locally and internationally. Highlights include touring Europe with David Kramer and Taliep Petersen’s acclaimed musical Kat and the Kings, as well as performances in New York, Las Vegas, and Mozambique. Her versatility as a musician has also led to extensive studio work, contributing vocals to a variety of local and international recording projects.
Abigail’s contributions to music have earned her notable recognition, including winning the prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition in 2003 and receiving a Naledi Theatre Award nomination for Best Female Performance in a Musical in 2005.
Alongside her performing career, Abigail has built a strong reputation as a dedicated educator and mentor. Her previous role as Jazz Vocal Lecturer at the University of Cape Town contributed significantly to her development as both an artist and teacher. She has coached countless students through private tuition and tertiary education, many of whom have gone on to become award-winning performers, recording artists, and respected educators in South Africa and abroad. She has also served as a preliminary judge for South African Idols and collaborated with numerous educational and artistic programmes.
In 2016, Abigail relocated to Norway, where she recorded her debut album, The Human Element, released in 2017. Featuring 13 original songs, the album showcases her distinctive songwriting voice and expressive vocal artistry. During her time in Norway, she continued teaching, presenting workshops, and performing throughout the Bergen region.
Since returning to South Africa in 2018, Abigail has continued to establish herself within the local Jazz community, captivating audiences with her soulful vocals, vibrant stage presence, Brazilian repertoire, Jazz standards, and original compositions. She currently lectures Jazz Voice at the South African College of Music, UCT, while remaining deeply committed to nurturing emerging artists through performance, education, and community development initiatives.
Over the course of her career, Abigail has performed extensively both locally and internationally. Highlights include touring Europe with David Kramer and Taliep Petersen’s acclaimed musical Kat and the Kings, as well as performances in New York, Las Vegas, and Mozambique. Her versatility as a musician has also led to extensive studio work, contributing vocals to a variety of local and international recording projects.
Abigail’s contributions to music have earned her notable recognition, including winning the prestigious SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition in 2003 and receiving a Naledi Theatre Award nomination for Best Female Performance in a Musical in 2005.
Alongside her performing career, Abigail has built a strong reputation as a dedicated educator and mentor. Her previous role as Jazz Vocal Lecturer at the University of Cape Town contributed significantly to her development as both an artist and teacher. She has coached countless students through private tuition and tertiary education, many of whom have gone on to become award-winning performers, recording artists, and respected educators in South Africa and abroad. She has also served as a preliminary judge for South African Idols and collaborated with numerous educational and artistic programmes.
In 2016, Abigail relocated to Norway, where she recorded her debut album, The Human Element, released in 2017. Featuring 13 original songs, the album showcases her distinctive songwriting voice and expressive vocal artistry. During her time in Norway, she continued teaching, presenting workshops, and performing throughout the Bergen region.
Since returning to South Africa in 2018, Abigail has continued to establish herself within the local Jazz community, captivating audiences with her soulful vocals, vibrant stage presence, Brazilian repertoire, Jazz standards, and original compositions. She currently lectures Jazz Voice at the South African College of Music, UCT, while remaining deeply committed to nurturing emerging artists through performance, education, and community development initiatives.
