I’ve been meaning to write about the NY Flute Fair that happened last month. I spent a lot of time volunteering at the registration desk and NYFC table, and had to leave early for my own Collegium Westchester performance, so I wasn’t able to see everything on the schedule. Lorna McGhee (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) was the guest artist, and she did a lovely job at her masterclass. Her soft spoken demeanor put all the performers at ease, but she was laser sharp at assessing where she could best advise them. I was blown away by 12-yr. old Audrey Emata, she played the Doppler “Fantasie pastorale hongroise” beautifully from memory. I expect to hear about her a lot more in the future!
I also really enjoyed the 75th birthday celebration for composer Katherine Hoover. It was such a thrill to hear Katherine herself play flute, on a new work that is still untitled. Lawler and Fadoul premiered another Hoover piece, “Two Preludes”, for flute and marimba. And the concert ended with all the performers playing Hoover’s “Peace is the Way”. This work was originally for women’s choir, but had been arranged here for a flute choir of eight. Hoover explained that it is based on a Quaker saying, “There is no peace, peace is the way.” It was haunting and lovely. Happy birthday, Katherine, and here’s to many more!