Autumn Rinaldi `27 Balances Virtuosity and Vision as a Rising Star in Classical Music and Composition

When it comes to pursuing a passion with extraordinary dedication, few students embody that commitment like Autumn Rinaldi `27. Already an accomplished cellist and a rising composer, Autumn has earned major accolades in the classical music world while continuing to thrive academically and artistically at school.

During the 2024-25 school year, Autumn was awarded first place in the 2024 Cleveland Cello Society Scholarship Competition, a prestigious honor recognizing technical mastery and musicality. She is also a member of the renowned Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO), where she continues to grow as a performer among other talented young musicians.

But performance is only one part of her story. Autumn's original composition Walk was featured in the Cincinnati Ballet's 2025 season, choreographed by Taylor Carrasco and performed by the ballet’s second company. The piece was originally premiered by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra percussionist Joe Bricker and violinist Hannah Christensen as part of the From Scratch program, a youth composer mentorship initiative connected to the CSYO.

For Autumn, her musical journey began at just five years old, when a birthday party changed everything. "A family friend was playing violin with her classmates, and one of them brought a cello," she recalls. "The moment I saw it, I knew I had to play it. I asked my mom every day for months to sign me up for lessons."

Once she got her hands on a cello, Autumn never looked back. "From the start, I was practicing at least an hour a day because I was so excited to learn." That early enthusiasm grew into a disciplined and demanding routine. Autumn wakes before dawn to begin her practice each day, spending two to four hours on her instrument daily, including weekend rehearsals, cello performance classes at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and private lessons with her longtime teacher – a college professor whom Autumn affectionately calls her “cello mom.”

Composing entered the picture more recently, when Autumn joined the From Scratch program, where student composers work throughout the academic year with professional musicians and mentors. The program culminates in performances of original student works. Autumn quickly stood out not only for her musical insight but for her openness to collaboration across disciplines.

"Contributing to a dance performance was something entirely different for me," she says. "Watching dancers interpret my music was amazing. In classical training, we focus so much on composers like Mozart and Brahms, but contemporary work – with real emotional depth and modern meaning – is just as powerful."

At Country Day, Autumn finds support for her ambitions both in and out of the classroom. “Ms. [Jenn] Weinheimer and the administration have been great. And Mr. [Rob] Zimmerman is a classical music nerd, so he’s just as excited about what I’m doing as I am.” The school’s structure, including flexible scheduling and dedicated faculty, allows Autumn to manage her workload while fully engaging with her musical path.

She’s also active in the theater program, which she credits for helping her grow as an artist. "Mr. [Nick] Rose has been such a great influence – as a director, an advisor, and someone I can trust. Theater has helped me understand that being a musician isn’t just about technique. You’re an interpreter, an artist. I draw on a lot of disciplines, including literature, theater, and philosophy, when I compose."

Despite her rigorous commitments, Autumn remains deeply engaged with the broader school community and appreciates the intellectual environment at Country Day. “The conversations I’ve had in class about art, meaning, and history have helped me think more deeply about the purpose of music. A lot of contemporary compositions are about something – a cause, an event, a feeling. That depth matters.”

Looking ahead, Autumn is beginning to think about college auditions, a process that includes both video submissions and live performances. She is considering top music conservatories but remains committed to a well-rounded education. “I want music to be central to my future, but I also don’t want to give up the academic side of things. Country Day has helped me see the value in both.”

For Autumn, Cincinnati has proven to be the ideal place to grow as a young artist. “We didn’t move here because of the arts, but I’ve had so many amazing opportunities. It’s a smaller scene, but people here are incredibly invested in young talent. I’ve had the space to grow as my own person without the pressure cooker environment you might find in bigger cities.”

As she prepares for her next chapter, Autumn remains grounded in her passion, driven by discipline, and grateful for the school community that continues to support her journey.