Describe your best and worst memories of premiere performances Laurel Ann Maurer, Flutist

Laurel Ann Maurer Photo courtesy Laurel Ann Maurer

I have to admit that the quality of “open-mindedness” that I believe that I possess serves me well in terms of finding the value in a new piece, but does not serve me as well when thinking of a least favorite experience. I truly work to find the message in each piece. If I believe it is not there, is weak or I am not suited to play it-then I don’t play it. Hence, I have really been fortunate in that each premiere has been special in it’s own right. There are, however, a couple that stand out as exceptional. Two were major works by composer Meyer Kupferman. I have worked with him on many of his works. I commissioned him in 1993 to compose a Sonata for flute and piano. I premiered this work “Chaconne Sonata” in April 1994 at Weill Recital Hall and we received rave reviews. That was a successful premiere because I have a rapor with Kupferman’s style and he coached us extensively. The other was the premiere of his “Concerto Brevis” for flute and orchestra, premiered at the National Flute Convention in 1998. Part of the joy of the premiere (at least for me) is the entire creative process. The “hands on” work with the composer is exciting and meaningful for a successful outcome.