Exploration, devotion, and creation are at the core of my performance philosophy.    My path as a flutist has been one of continuous exploration, seeking works that challenge and stretch my abilities and presenting these works to the public with the utmost care and devotion. I embrace the process of creation; I find it satisfying and exhilarating to bring a new work into existence.  I would like to turn my attention to two instruments in particular: the alto and bass flutes    I am drawn not only to the beauty of the instruments embodied in their core tone, but their seemingly endless capacity to create sound worlds that extend their technical and expressive capabilities.  The Low Flutes Project seeks to find and create new works that shatter boundaries in sound and technique.  Through commissioning, performing, and recording, I will add my voice to the body of repertoire, helping to inspire the new generation of composers to explore deeply these two instruments that have captured my passion.

My project begins with the commission of three composers that embody experimentation:  George Lewis, Elainie Lillios, and Nicolas Tzortzis.  MacArthur Fellow George Lewis is a powerful voice in the contemporary field as a composer, scholar, improvisor, and experimentalist.  I have known him for many years and recently premiered his chamber work “A Whispered Nine”. He has suggested a solo bass flute work with electronics.  Elainie Lillios’ fascination with sound and space creates works of great beauty.   I am inspired by her philosophical approach to composing and her fearless exploration of sound. I have played her works and am very excited to participate in a creation of a new piece. Nicolas Tzortzis, a Greek composer living in France writes complex and uncompromising music, always pushing the boundaries of interpretation and execution.  I have worked with him over many years and am currently the only flutist to perform and record his work for solo flute incompatibles iii (b). I am thrilled  and honored to embark on this project with these amazing composers.

My project will span two years to allow for the creation of new works and preparation for recording.   For the premieres, I have a ready audience with the organizations of which I am a member: UMBC, Nief Norf Festival, SoundON Festival, and the soundSCAPE Composition and Performance Exchange Festival.  I will submit proposals to the major flute gatherings, embark on a concert tour, and record.  In this way, my project  will reach not only composers and performers of contemporary music, but a large general audience and culminate in the release of a CD.