Flautists take Europe by storm

Music

A group of flute students from the Elder Conservatorium of Music has made its mark on the world stage.

The group, known as Flutes of Adelaide, travelled to Europe recently for a series of performances, concerts and masterclasses in London, Paris and Switzerland.

Flutes of Adelaide features Hayley Radke, Clare Beens, Natalie Nowak, Amy Ellks and Claire Walker, and is led by the Head of Woodwind at the Conservatorium, Ms Elizabeth Koch. The group was joined by highly regarded pianist and accompanist, Leigh Harrold.

Ms Koch said the tour generated much interest and support from the international flute community, and highlighted the respect in which the Elder Conservatorium's music program is held.

"International flute magazines such as La Traversie in Paris and Flute Focus in New Zealand are wanting to publish stories about the tour, and leading European flautists made us very welcome in visiting their homes and conservatories for lessons and master classes," she said.

"Our major performance of the tour was in London at Australia House which went very well, and the audience gave us quite a favourable response.

"One of the most memorable masterclasses was given by Michael Cox, who is Principal Flute of the BBC Symphony and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Orchestras - his teaching was colourful and exciting, and left us thoroughly inspired."

Other masterclasses the group attended were those with Felix Renggli in Basel, Switzerland, and Phillipe Bernold and Sophie Cherrier in Paris.

"The trip has provided great excitement and inspiration for the students," Ms Koch said.

"It has been wonderful to learn from the world's leading flautists, and to visit some of the best music institutions in Europe - it is such a magnificent opportunity for the students, as it helps shape their future and playing in many amazing ways."