Cellist Abigail Bontrager Blends Tchaikovsky and ELO

21-year-old freelance musician builds connections in Northeast Ohio

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Abigail Bontrager, a 21-year-old cellist from Massillon, Ohio, has been building a career as a freelance musician in Northeast Ohio. She grew up playing chamber music with her mother and siblings, and now performs with the Canton Symphony, Mansfield Symphony, and a chamber ensemble called Azure Strings. Bontrager graduated from Malone University in 2025 with a double major in cello performance and business administration, and plans to audition for symphony positions while continuing to freelance and work in arts administration.

Why it matters

Bontrager's story highlights the diverse career paths available to classically trained musicians, as she blends orchestral, chamber, and even tribute band performances. Her experience studying abroad and interning with the Canton Symphony also showcases the value of gaining real-world experience in the music industry.

The details

Bontrager, who has a 'sweet, friendly cat' named Lucy, has been building connections in the Northeast Ohio music scene for the past few years. She subcontracted with the Canton Symphony and Mansfield Symphony, as well as freelanced for local pits, choirs, churches, and recording studios. She also performs with Azure Strings, a chamber ensemble that plays at weddings, banquets, and special events. Bontrager grew up playing chamber music with her mother and two older siblings, who also pursued music careers. After graduating from Central Christian High School in Kidron in 2021, she earned a double major in cello performance and business administration from Malone University in 2025, and spent her final semester studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria.

  • Bontrager began playing cello at age 3.
  • She graduated from Central Christian High School in Kidron in 2021.
  • Bontrager graduated from Malone University in May 2025.
  • She spent her final semester of undergraduate studies abroad in Salzburg, Austria.
  • Bontrager performed Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 at the MasterWorks Festival last summer.

The players

Abigail Bontrager

A 21-year-old freelance cellist from Massillon, Ohio who has been building connections in the Northeast Ohio music scene.

Michael Bontrager

Abigail's older brother who plays viola and lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

Kaylee Bontrager

Abigail's older sister who plays violin and is attending graduate school in England for violin performance.

Azure Strings

A chamber ensemble that Abigail performs with, playing at weddings, banquets, and special events.

Canton Symphony

The symphony orchestra that Abigail subcontracts with.

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What they’re saying

“For the past few years, I have been building music connections in Northeast Ohio.”

— Abigail Bontrager (indeonline.com)

“My mom started me on cello when I was 3 years old, and I grew up playing chamber music with my mom and my two older siblings.”

— Abigail Bontrager (indeonline.com)

“I graduated from Malone University this past May with a double major in cello performance and business administration.”

— Abigail Bontrager (indeonline.com)

What’s next

Bontrager plans to audition for symphony positions and continue freelancing and working in arts administration. She recently interned with the Canton Symphony's marketing department.

The takeaway

Abigail Bontrager's diverse musical career, blending classical, chamber, and tribute band performances, showcases the versatility and entrepreneurial spirit of today's classically trained musicians.