Flute Unscripted

Althea Rene is a Soul-Jazz flutist and recording artist that has made a living playing her music, her way. And while she exudes confidence and is completely at ease performing for an audience of any size, it wasn’t always that way for Althea. In her book, “Becoming Chocolate Barbie: A Guide for Professional Women in the Music Business,” Althea talks about the struggles of having a full time job outside of music, specifically as Deputy Sheriff in Wayne County, and about the ins and outs of building a music career.

Gareth launched his professional career after his studies at the Guildhall School of Music. He was appointed Principal Flute of the Bournemouth Symphony at 23 and later joined the London Symphony Orchestra as Principal in 2000. He has been with the LSO ever since. As a way to connect with family, friends, and fans back home, Gareth started writing and launched a blog on his website. There, he shares his insights about the performances, reflects upon the local cultures, and writes fun anecdotes about the touring lifestyle. It is a great way to get to know more about Gareth and it was a real treat to chat with him in person.

Known as the man with the golden flute, James Galway has had a career that is groundbreaking and legendary. He has not only achieved the feat of winning one of the most sought-after positions of Principal Flute in the Berlin Philharmonic and toured as a soloist, he has also successfully branched out as a crossover artist. Sir James has sold over 30 million albums and is comfortable with any genre and any repertoire. His wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, a noteworthy flutist in her own right, made the time to also join us for an interview.

Jean Ferrandis is a true musician and he views the flute as his tool. An international soloist, collaborator, clinician, and conductor, his musical expression is truly authentic and from the heart. Jean aims to inspire his audience and his students at the University of Southern California, Fullerton. I had the pleasure of getting to know Jean before his masterclass at the Powell showroom here in New York, and he is a fascinating performer and teacher.

Nicola Mazzanti considers himself to be an advocate for the piccolo as a solo voice. He holds the position of Piccolo in the Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a seat he has held since 1988, and performs as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, and soloist around the world. In 2014, Mazzanti published his method book for piccolo entitled, “The Mazzanti Method”. The method is a guide for piccolo players in their daily commitment to the instrument. He continues to teach young piccolo players in seminars and masterclasses in Italy and abroad and joined me after his Flute Center of New York masterclass to discuss the merits of piccolo playing. 

Canadian flutist, Dr. Conor Nelson, began his studies on the flute not quite sure of where it would lead him. He followed his passion nonetheless and made the journey into a coveted tenure-track teaching position look effortless. He has appeared as soloist with major orchestras, given masterclasses across the country at over 100 institutions, and is Associate Professor of Flute at Bowling Green State University.   

International soloist and chamber musician Stefan Hoskuldsson was most recently appointed as Principal Flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2015. We here in New York got to know him best for his stellar performances as principal flute with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 2008-2015. He got his start in Iceland, studied in England, and thereafter started working at the Flute Center of New York, where he was able to network and build an orchestral career. A flutist’s flutist, Stefan has a characteristically beautiful sound and has established himself as a revered soloist and in-demand teacher.

By following her curiosity and intuition, Emi Ferguson has made a name for herself as a modern flutist, baroque flutist, composer, arranger, producer, researcher, and vocalist. In her interview with me, Ms. Ferguson shares that she refuses to take no for an answer and will do whatever it takes to see a project through to the end. That approach has served her well. Her impressive career includes winning first prize at the NFA Young Artist competition,  New York Flute Club Young Artist competition, the Mid-Atlantic Flute Competition, and the Juilliard Concerto Competition. Emi Ferguson has carved out a niche for herself playing the Silver Flute, Historical Flutes, and Auxiliary Flutes, performing repertoire that stretches from the Renaissance to today.

Our guest today does it all. Emily Beynon is the Principal Flutist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. She has appeared as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Orchestras, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (amongst others) and has performed with chamber groups such the Nash Ensemble and the Brodsky Quartet. Ms. Beynon is also a versatile recording artist. Her albums span a wide breadth of repertoire- from her dazzling interpretation of Mozart to her premiere recordings by contemporary composers.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Demarre McGill has quickly become the next “it” flutist. A recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, Demarre has dominated the audition circuit, holding Principal positions with the Florida Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, and Dallas Symphony. Demarre has also been Acting Principal Flute at the Pittsburg Symphony and most recently, at the Metropolitan Opera. Demarre is currently maintaining a jam-packed schedule: He has returned as Principal Flute at the Seattle Symphony, he has stepped in as Visiting Assistant Professor at CCM, and he continues to travel the country giving masterclasses and performing concerts. I snagged a few minutes with Demarre on his latest trip to New York City.

Carol Wincenc is an artist that needs no introduction. She is an iconic flutist and her name is synonymous with graceful and powerful musicianship. In addition to her decades of accomplishments, awards, and accolades, Ms. Wincenc has released a number of recordings that are revered as the authority on execution and artistry. Her natural talent and other’s recognition of her gifts launched her from a young flutist in her hometown of Buffalo to an emerging star fresh from her studies in Italy. She studied at Oberlin, Manhattan School of Music, and Juilliard. Quickly after her graduation, Ms. Wincenc secured the Principal Flute position with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, won the Naumburg Foundation Solo Flute Competition, and established herself as a sought-after soloist. She passes down her wealth of knowledge and wisdom to her students and it excites her to see them reach accomplishments of their own. Before her recital and masterclass at the Flute Center of New York, Ms. Wincenc revealed what it was like bu

Learn more about your Flute Unscripted host and Resident Flutist at Flute Center of New York, Caity Massoud.