Following a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her undergraduate studies in the United States, Catherine completed her studies in Amsterdam with the renowned pedagogue and performer Herman Krebbers. She has won prizes at numerous international competitions and was also awarded the use of a very valuable Guadagnini violin for three years from a private foundation in the Netherlands.

In 1995 she made her recital debut in the National Concert Hall in Dublin - and a varied and exciting career was launched.

Catherine has gained acclaim as a deeply personal performer with a wide-ranging repertoire. She is a regular guest at Ireland's most prominent festivals and recital series, including the "West Cork Chamber Music Festival" and "Music in Great Irish Houses". She has made repeat appearances at the Prussia Cove Open Chamber Music, the Perth (Australia) International Music Festival, the City of London Festival, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Wigmore Hall in London.

Catherine has performed and recorded regularly with the renowned Nash Ensemble in the UK.

An advocate of contemporary Irish composers, Catherine is a particular champion of the music of Ian Wilson. He wrote his 'Messenger' Concerto for her in 2001. In April 2008 she presented a newly commissioned chamber version of this work with Camerata Pacifica in venues in America, Ireland and the UK, including the Library of Congress, The Morgan Library in New York and London's Wigmore Hall. She has recorded a CD of Wilson's music with regular piano collaborator Hugh Tinney. "These are exemplary performances from Hugh Tinney and Catherine Leonard, vividly recorded in the composer's presence ... well worth hunting down..." (Gramophone Magazine)

The duo's RTE Lyric disc of Beethoven Sonatas has been received to great acclaim both at home and abroad. "Two of Ireland's greatest instrumentalists take us on a journey into Beethoven's poetic and dramatic genius in violin and piano. Powerful and dynamic interpretation in the first movement of the Kreutzer Sonata is carefully balanced with poignant, almost vulnerable playing in its slow movement. There are moments of freshness inspired by familiarity and frequent performance together, each player's virtuosity sparkling." (The Sunday Tribune)

Catherine and Hugh perform regularly around Ireland and are currently in preparation for a series of all ten Beethoven Sonatas over the next three years. They have recently been invited to perform in the prestigious Wigmore Hall's concert series in 2013.

Last Fall, she performed as soloist for Kenneth Montgomery's final concert as principal conductor of the BBC Ulster Orchestra, a program which included the Beethoven Romances and a concerto premiere by a less well-known 20th century composer, Ina Boyle. This was recorded live for BBC Radio 3.

More recently, she joined artistic director and violinist Daniel Hope at the Savannah International Music Festival and received high praise for her interpretations of new and old repertoire alike.

This season, Catherine returns home to the National Concert Hall in Dublin to play the Irish premiere of Ian Wilson's 3rd violin concerto with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra, alongside the more well known Bruch concerto. There will also be a visit to Cornwall for the Prussia Cove chamber music festival, performing with esteemed colleagues and friends from all over the world.

Another CD with Hugh Tinney is being planned, this time featuring short and popular worksfor violin and piano.

Catherine acknowledges the support of The Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport, The Arts Council and Music Network through the Music Capital Scheme 2010.