07.31.10

 

I received my first commission from the South African Composer, Alexander Johnson today. Years ago I fell in love with a very simple lullaby he composed for solo piano. After researching his music a little bit more I was immediately struck by his ability to cut straight to the emotional vulnerability of the music without becoming overly complicated and never concealing his soul.

 

The piece is a set of three pieces titled "Imicabango" (Impressions) and is about 13 minutes in length. The three movements are also titled independently with traditional African names: "Impumalanga" (Sunrise), "Isiduduzo" (Lullaby) and "Isikhwishikazana" (Little whirlwind). The piece has also already been prescribed as one of the choices for the Performance Licentiate Syllabus, a performance degree program presented by the University of South Africa.

 

Being one of Alexander Johnson's students for three years, it is a great honor and privilege for me to commission a piece from this wonderful composer and mentor. Thank you to the South African Music Rights Organization for making this commission possible.To find out more about the composer or to purchase the piece, please visit: Alexander Johnson.

 

09.17.09   

 

I just returned from the Hugo Kauder International Music Competition held in New Haven, CT where I received the third prize. It was an incredible experience playing for, and speaking to the distinguished judges: Jeanne Baxtresser, Former Principal Flute with the New York Philharmonic; Doris Goltzer, Oboe and English horn of the New York City Opera; and Richard Stolzman, world-renowned clarinet soloist.
 

Two Hugo Kauder pieces was also prescribed for the competition: a Sonata for flute and piano and a Solo Suite. Ivan Danko, current principal oboist with the Stuttgart Opera House, was named as the very worthy winner. It was such a privilege to hear Ivan perform the music at a level that most musicians aspire to.

 

For more information please vist: Hugo Kauder Competition

 

09.02.09

 

I returned from New York City where I attended the National Flute Association and participated in the Young Artist Competition. The first round, consisting out of only solo pieces, was screened which was new to me in a performance competition. Brooke Ferguson walked away with the first prize and played an amazing final round.

 

06.28.09

 

I arrived in South Africa yesterday after attending the Sarasota Music Festival. Working with Thomas Robertello, Carol Wincenc and Leone Buyse has been an amazing experience. This is definitely a summer festival worth attending. Amazing chamber music, standard orchestral repertoire with some of the biggest solos and two masterclasses a week is definitely an opportunity not to pass up. 

 

04.29.09

 

I am happy to anounce that I got accepted into the National Flute Association's Young Artist Compettion. The competition will take place during the second week of August 2009 in New York City.

 

03.23.09

 

I got word today that I got accepted for the Sarasota Music Festival in Sarasota, Florida. The festival will take place during the month of June.

 

03.14.09

 

I won the Byron Hester Flute Competition in Houston ,Texas. I will also be giving a recital at the Houston Flute Club's annual festival in 2010.

 

03.07.09

 

I advanced as one of the finalists for the William Byrd Competition in Flint, MI and was one of the placewinners at the competition.

 

01.13.10

 

The Antero Winds will make their New York debut on the 18th of January at the New School  campus in New York City. Please have a look under the Concerts tab for more information.

 

11.09.08

 

I received an invitation for a live audition at the Metropolitan Opera for their principal flute chair. Auditions will take place during the first week of December in New York City.

 

09.13.08

 

I made it to the final round of the Honors Concerto Competition at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. The concerto I was competing with was the Nielsen Flute Concerto.

 

09.02.08

 

I won the SAMRO Overseas Music Scholarship Competition in Johannesburg, South Africa last week. The competiiton took place at the University of Johannesburg during the final week of August.