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Highlights from Masterclass and Recital with Nina Assimakopoulos

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The Boston Flute Academy (BFA) has kicked off its spring term in modern style. The first guest artist of the term was acclaimed interpreter of contemporary flute repertoire and Professor of Flute at West Virginia University, Nina Assimakopoulos.

Assimakopoulos’ residence at BFA included a recital and masterclass on Saturday, February 2nd, 2013. Her recital of music for flute alone was masterfully performed and educational. The program included popular works from the modern flute repertoire including Syrinx, by Debussy’s and Zoom Tube, by Ian Clarke. Assimakopoulos also performed Reflections by Maggie Payne and a piece written for her, Spirit Man by Margaret Fairlie-Kennedy, which began with a short, yet powerful, reading of the poetry  that inspired the composition.

Immediately following Assimakopoulos’ recital, BFA students and ensembles took the stage beginning with members from the Conservatory Ensemble and Young Artist program: Hyo Jin Jamie Park (BFA Conservatory Ensemble) performed Concerto for flute and orchestra, by Ibert; Amy Lipman (BFA Conservatory Ensemble) performed Concerto for flute and orchestra, by Gordeli; Elizabeth Sperry (BFA Young Artist) performed Sicilienne et Burlesque, by Casella. Following the soloists, the Maliotis Chamber Players – the BFA’s newest ensemble of adult performers – gave a beautiful performance of Mayflower Suite, by Catherine McMichael, a composition commissioned expressly by and for BFA. The Advanced Repertory Ensemble concluded the program with Monochrome V, an entrancing and exhilarating piece by Peter Schikele (aka P.D.Q. Bach).

Following the recital, BFA students performed for Assimakopoulos in a masterclass, where she proved to be an adept teacher as she is as a performing artist. The following students performed for Assimakopoulos in Saturday’s masterclass:

  • You Hyun Cho (11th grade) – Mozart Concerto in G Major: Mvt. I, Exposition
  • Hyo Jin Jamie Park (12th grade) – Ibert Concerto: Mvt. I
  • Isaac Alter (college) – J.S. Bach Sonata in e minor: Mvt. III
  • Oliver Villanueva (college) – Nielsen Concerto: Mvt. I
  • Amy Lipman (10th grade) – Gordeli Concerto

For more information about the Boston Flute Academy, please visit our website at bostonfluteacademy.com.

Written by Christopher A. Petre