1st Tampere Flute Festival in Finland
The 1st Tampere Flute Fest is excited to bring to the flute community a new forum for learning and inspiration. Students will have the opportunity to perform in masterclasses and attend a variety of concerts given by internationally renowned flutists, as well as enjoy a unique exhibition by Powell Flutes and Huilupiste.
To promote music education and performance experience, the Festival proudly sponsors a Young Artist Competition. The competition is divided into 3 categories. After a preliminary recorded round, 6 Finalists for each category will be chosen to compete live at the Festival on Sunday, April 26th, 2020.
The Festival will take place at the Pirkanmaa Music School in Tampere, Finland.
The Flute View interviewed the Guest Artists of the 1st Tampere Flute Fest. We hope you enjoy their interviews as much as we have as it gave us a wonderful look at what is going on in the Flute World ...in Finland!
BEATRIZ MACIAS
BIO: Mexican-American flutist Beatriz Macias is emerging as one of the most versatile figures in the scene of classical music. A Yamaha Artist and Former Solo Flutist of the Luxembourg Chamber Orchestra, Macias shares her time between her career as a flutist, opera singer and as Artistic Director of the Tampere Flute Fest in Finland.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
When I decided that I wanted to become a professional flutist at the age of 11.
My first brave decision to move to a foreign country (Europe) at the age of 21.
Moving to Finland in the Fall of 2016 to work with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra.
What do you like best about performing?
Getting lost in the music is my favorite part about performing. Whether playing as a soloist or in the orchestra, I love the freedom I get when the initial nerves disappear and I am able to control what I want to say. This is something I aim for in every performance, to make sure my unique “voice” is heard.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
It is true what they say about the Sagittarians. We are big spirited, adventurous, ambitious but often careless. However, as the Artistic Director of the 1st Tampere Flute Fest, I’ve quickly learned to prioritize and keep a strict agenda… that’s if I want to get at least 6 hours of sleep every day! For now, my main focus is dedicated to the next 4 months. After the festival, perhaps the goal will be vacationing in the Bahamas!
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
My personal goals have remained the same since I made my first decisive step towards a career in music at the age of 11: to touch lives through what’s been “given” to me. Of course, each year brings new goals. 2020 is a year for new dreams and new ambitions in my career as a flutist and opera singer. A year to create something new, something good, something inspiring!
What has been your greatest challenge?
I have been really blessed to form a life and career that I can be proud of. I won my first Solo Flute job in a European orchestra at the age of 25, have had the pleasure of performing with some of the best orchestras in the world and now be able to create something positive and inspiring as the Artistic Director of a new flute festival Finland. In my 10 years of living in Europe I have been in high demand as an orchestral Solo Flutist. I don’t say any of this to brag, but rather to act as an example to any young flutists wishing to build a career in a foreign country. Obtaining your dreams and goals don’t come easy. You need courage, determination and a willingness to make great sacrifices. That means that sometimes, in order to make your dreams come to pass, you’ll have to leave family behind and step out into the unknown all by yourself. In these 10 years, I’ve lived in 4 different European countries, learned 3 languages (or should I say “tried to learn” haha) and finally ended up in the North Pole. (Yes, Santa Claus is really from Finland.) Even learning Finnish does not compare to the challenge of trying to find a balance between my profession and my family life. But the older and (hopefully) wiser I get, the easier it is to see what truly is important in this life.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
Nobody reaches the top without having a thankful heart. I am especially thankful for my 3 mentors who shaped me into the flutist I am today. 1. Geralyn Coticone (Former Solo Piccolo of the Boston Symphony Orchestra) for helping me to develop a technique based on flawless and meticulous execution with a pure and colorful sound. 2. Carlos Bruneel (Principal Flute of the Royal Opera House of Brussels) for helping me to perfect my distinctive approach to playing. 3. Thaddeus Watson (Solo Piccolo of the Frankfurt Radio Orchestra) for helping me unify my personality into my playing in a high standard.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
The advice that I have to offer to young flutists is more for about the inner person than the playing itself.
Be YOU and express YOU.
We are all students and teachers. Ask yourself: “What did I come here to learn, and what did I come here to teach?” —Louise L. Hay
Jealousy is USELESS. EVERYONE has a unique purpose in life. The moment you get that clear is the moment you start to succeed.
ALEXIS ROMAN
BIO: French flutist Alexis Roman was appointed Principal Flute of the Jyväskylä Sinfonia in 2012 by renowned conductor and flutist Patrick Gallois. This year Roman will serve as Principal Flute of the Finnish National Opera and release a new CD with international flutist Seiya Ueno.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
My first masterclass with Emmanuel Pahud.
My first recital with the great pianist Bruno Robillard.
The day I won the audition in Jyväskylä Sinfonia.
Concert as principal flute with Turku Philharmonic in the Mariinsky theater, St Petersburg.
Our official CD release (W.F.Bach duets) with Seiya Ueno in the legendary Suntory Hall, Tokyo.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
When I went to normal high school (I was in a specialized school for music between 7-15) and I realized the chance I got to have a passion (music) compared to all my classmates who had no idea what to do in the future. That’s when I really decided I will become a professional musician.
The day I entered the Haute Ecole de Musique de Lausanne, Switzerland, in the class of José-Daniel Castellon, the teacher I always dreamed to work with.
The day I won the audition in Jyväskylä Sinfonia, my first permanent position.
What do you like best about performing?
What I like the most with music is that we are able communicate without words. We are using the instrument as a tool to convey emotions and touch the audience. We need to master this tool to be able to express our thoughts through music. I find it magical to feel emotions using the language of music, so many things can be transmitted and understood without speaking.
CD releases?
Aulis Sallinen, chamber music, Ondine label,
W.F.Bach duets for 2 flutes with Seiya Ueno, Laplace records.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
Spring season with my orchestra, Jyväskylä Sinfonia.
Tampere flute fest in April.
Tour in Japan with Seiya Ueno in April.
European tour (Finland, France, Switzerland) in May-June with Seiya Ueno for our newly released CD.
Project of writing new pieces for flute and piano (cross-over style) with Noé Macary (jazz pianist).
Teaching at the Seiya Ueno Summer academy in Japan.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
To keep learning and improving. Playing more recitals and recording my first solo album.
What inspires you the most in life?
Art in general, friends, food, wine, travels.
What has been your greatest challenge?
To get a permanent job in orchestra. Even though I got my position only after my third audition I still feel that I’m very lucky to have one when I see the fierce competition out there.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
José-Daniel Castellon, my dad of the flute, I learned that each note must sound beautiful, I learned so much about tone quality, musical expression, styles and countless things that are still helping me during my life as a professional musician.
Sophie Cherrier, She taught me rigor, instrumental control.
Emmanuel Pahud, I was listening to his CD’s and concerts since I’m a child and I realized that flute has no limits (at least for him).
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
I love cheese (French cheese, my favorite is Saint-Marcellin.
Miles Davis is my all time favorite artist.
I hate cinnamon.
When I was a kid I wanted to go to Australia to hide in the kangaroo pocket. I still dream to go there but I’m afraid I won’t fit anymore in the kangaroo’s pocket.
When I was 6 I had to make a list of choices of instruments I want to learn at the conservatory. My first choice was the flute, second the harpsichord and third the harp. I’m glad they gave me the first choice : )
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Always stay curious.
Be your own teacher.
Practice in a clever way.
SARAH OUAKRAT
BIO: Sarah Ouakrat is Principal Flute of the Dutch National Ballet Orchestra in Amsterdam and a member of the modern music ensemble “Collegium Novum Zürich” in Switzerland. A prominent flutist, Ouakrat has won numerous prestigious prices in France, the UK and Russia.
5 career highlights:
The Final round of the 4th International Flute Competition of the Tchaïkovsky Conservatory in Moscow, playing Mozart Flute Concerto (G Major) and Weinberg flute concerto with orchestra in the Great Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow was an amazing experience! (2012)
Playing the Dalbavie Flute concerto 8 times with my own orchestra on the stage of the Amsterdam opera for the new ballet « Homo Ludens » by the choreographer Juanjo Arques, with Marc-André Dalbavie himself in the hall! (2017)
Winning the Zurich Opera Academy and learning the job of an orchestra musician with the best conductors and singers of the world, as well as all the masterpieces of the Opera repertoire. (2009/2010)
Wining my solo flute position with the Dutch National Ballet orchestra in Amsterdam. (since 2010)
meeting and having the chance to learn from the best: Madeleine Chassang in Paris, Philippe Bernold and Julien Beaudiment in Lyon and William Bennett in London.
My studies with Phillipe Bernold made me realize what being a professional musician meant, I really grew thanks to him both technically and musically. Later on, meeting William Bennett at the Maxence Larrieu Competition in Nice and deciding then to move to London and study with him made me a complete flutist and artist. But I was mainly a solo player and chamber musician back then, until I won the academy position in Zurich Opera house orchestra and started to develop myself as an orchestra musician as well, learning all the orchestra repertoire (opera, ballet, and symphonic repertoire from baroque until modern repertoire). These 3 big influences really made the musician that I am now.
The interaction with the audience. But also the interaction, (intimacy) and dialogues between the musicians during recitals, orchestra playing or chamber music concerts. And I love having the « adrenaline kick » before, during and after every performance!
2020 begins with one week holidays to the Dominican Republic to relax before the storm: playing with the ensemble Pynarello the Dvorak New World Symphony by heart and without conductor(!) for 10 performances, then « Frida », a new ballet about Frida Kalo’s life with my orchestra in Amsterdam, then 2 weeks in my modern ensemble Collegium Novum Zurich in Switzerland, followed by Giselle on tour with my orchestra, audition training for Paris and Stuttgart and of course the First Tampere Flute Fest end of April where I will be teaching and playing a recital with a very exciting program!
What inspires me most in life?
Being surrounded by good musicians and artists and inspiring conductors. Working with passionate people and being pushed to my limits - and of course my family with great my two beautiful young daughters and great/awesome/amazing boyfriend.
My mentors:
Madeleine Chassang who saw my enthusiasm as a very young musician and my happiness when playing the flute. She taught me all the basics from the very beginning. Then Philippe Bernold who taught me how to be a perfectionist, how to develop « from sonority to interpretation ». And there was William Bennett, who, with his warm personality, helped me free myself to become a complete musician and to express myself with full passion.
3 words of wisdom for a young flutist:
Always keep in mind the fun of playing an instrument and making music, keep enjoying playing with friends, without goals sometimes. Stay inspired! Listening, reading and discovering new pieces of music for fun is always rewarding.
Practice efficiently and focused, too long practicing session are not necessary, and very important, practice with a positive mind even when some days are more difficult than others, keep an optimistic approach!
Always listen carefully to your sound and the quality of what you are doing, and don’t move too much. Moving usually doesn’t bring anything, in the contrary it might take the intensity of your music away.
SEIYA UENO
BIO: 1st Prize Winner of the 8th Jean-Pierre Rampal Competition, Seiya Ueno is considered to be one of the most renowned flutists of his time. He has been awarded in many prestigious competitions and has appeared as a soloist with orchestras around the world. Ueno is the founder of his own Flute School based in Japan and currently holds the position of Associate Flute Professor at the Osaka College of Music.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
Final round at Rampal Competition 2008
Carnegie Hall Debut Recital
Suntory Hall Debut Recital
Becoming Associate Professor of Osaka Music University
CD releases?
Last November , I have released my 5th album “W.F Bach’s duo sonatas” with fantastic flutist Alexis Roman.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
Recitals with piano (Japan)
Flute Duo recital tour in Europe ( France , Swiss, Finland )
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
I’m always thinking about this !
What has been your greatest challenge?
Preparing my first international competition . (J.P Rampal Compétition 2008)
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
All my flute friends in a world , I feel always safe and encouraged by calling/sending messages each other .
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
I’m collecting nice Whisky Bottles ... at home ...
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Being as natural as possible with yourself (physically also) and accept your natural sound first the you can be much more free in a music!
HEILI ROSIN
BIO: Winner of the 2018 NFA Young Artist Piccolo Competition, flutist Heili Rosin has been a successful prize winner in several international competitions. Rosin is a Former Solo Flutist of the Estonian National Opera and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra. Rosin is a AS Artists Management Artist.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
Firstly, I would definitely mention leaving my home country Estonia for studying abroad. Once you leave your comfort zone, things start to change immediately. I had a solo flute position in Estonian National Opera when I was 19 years old, but I knew deep inside that there is so much more to learn and explore. So I made my decision to quit my job in Estonia a year after and have never regretted it since.
Secondly, finding the right teacher for YOU is extremely hard. My first try didn't work out, my playing got worse instead of better, both mental and physical health went downhill, nothing worked till I actually understood that even when the teacher was good, it just wasn't meant to be for me at that time. As soon as I decided to change the school 6 months before my actual Master graduation, my life changed drastically. Looking back, I feel relieved and happy that I had the courage to do it being that young and I look back to this time with gratitude as it has helped me to defy me and get back my confidence really fast.
Thirdly, I would definitely mention the National Flute Association’s Piccolo Artist competition 1st prize in Florida 1.5 years ago. I had never been on a flute event that big in my life, literally thousands of flute players all gathered in one huge place. I was really happy to have my wonderful piccolo teacher Pamela Stahel with me throughout the whole competition, the intense yet fun work we did before, during and after this competition is something I will never forget. I think her showing me how much fun and joy it can be to be a piccolist, definitely plays a big part in why I’m specialized in playing the piccolo these days.
What do you like best about performing?
I like the fact that the result is never the same. Every concert is absolutely different. Every wind or string group can be so incredibly different in various orchestras, also every concert hall is different. That’s why it never gets boring, you always have to find your way to blend in with your sound and find a way to make music together.
What inspires you the most in life?
I guess it’s always been and always will be the people you’re surrounded by. We affect each other more than we think.
People in the world do all kinds of crazy things (it doesn’t always have to be music or even art) and when people get connected through something great then it can lead to a lot of inspiration.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
My partner and I made a life changing decision about 3 years ago: we got ourselves a lovely Gordon Setter dog called Kusti. We are now going running about 6 times a week, since he’s the most energetic dog I've ever seen :) Last year I ran my first half marathon and managed to run 700km in total.
I’m hula-hooping almost every day to train my core. You can take it apart into 6 pieces and put it in your suitcase to make sure you'll stay fit while traveling, it weighs around 3-4 kg
I’ve been a big fan of braiding hair already since childhood. Quite often there’s a long line of women waiting to get their hair done before the concert :)
I like cement. Next summer I'm planning to take a Micro cement course to be able to apply that beautifully on our summer cottage walls in Estonia.
Every year in February I go on a ski-holiday.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Try to analyze yourself as much as you can, specially while practicing or thinking about the interpretation, don't expect your teacher to do that job for you because eventually you will have to be able to do it yourself, the sooner you start, the better.
Don't be afraid to discuss your ideas with your teacher or fellow musicians, PLEASE ask questions, explain your ideas.
Go listen/see as many live concerts as you can, you learn something from all of them, even from the bad ones. PS! it doesn't always have to be a flute concert!
CARLOS CANO
BIO: Flutist, composer, arranger and music producer, Carlos Cano Escribá focuses on the innovation and expansion of the flute repertoire. Together with pianist Hernán Milla, he has recorded several Latin Grammy Nominee albums. His transcriptions are published by Boosey & Hawkes. Cano is currently professor of flute at the Real Conservatorio de Musica in Madrid, Spain.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
Maybe I would like to speak about five highlights moments where I felt very happy thanks to the music. Two of these experiences were in the orchestra, the first one was in the Liceo de Barcelona playing “La Boheme”. I had never before played Puccini, so discovering it inside of the orchestra ́s pit was amazing. The second experience was with the Orquesta de Extremadura, while Sergio Azzolini was playing the final part of the third movement of Rossini concerto, I was so fascinated that I lost concentration and started late my passage. Other moments have taken place next to Paquito D'Rivera, especially when I was invited to his concert in the Natural History Museum of New York. Tours next to Hernán Milla and Aldo Méndez have also been full of great experiences inside and outside the stage, where laughs has been very present. Finally, I want to recall the memories of the first concert of our association, Veleta Roja, that took place in 2012. We put together fifty musicians on a not really big stage; among these musicians were my daughters and many friends of mine. It was a real music party full of amazing moments.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
Without doubts, my four years studying in the Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) in Cuba were the most important and essential moment, not only because of the teachings that my teacher Alberto Corrales, but also for the incredible musical atmosphere that was breathed in the classes, concerts and between students. I learned almost the same playing music with my classmates than during classes. Other pivotal moment was when I started working as a member of the Trio Cervantes. With twenty years old, Jose, clarinet, Reynold, bassoon and I started our life in Spain. We had to learn how to search our concerts, create our own repertoire and earn our own reputations. Finally, I think that my project with Hernán Milla has become very important in my life. Together we are making everything what we dream as musicians and this marks a before and an after in my trajectory.
What do you like best about performing?
This is a difficult question. If I have to choose, I would say the connection that music creates between the performer and the audience. I also like that in my job as a performer and professor I can play both so to say “academic music” and “popular music”.
CD releases?
I don't know if the readers of the magazine know we have our own label. The name is Veleta Roja Editions, so it's important to say that I love making records. I have a special affection for the CD "Los muñecos", from the Trío Cervantes, "Donde nace la luz” with my musician colleague , Hernán and the poet-storyteller Aldo Méndez. The CD-book "Canciones y Palabras" nominated to Latin Grammy is one of my favourites too. I also enjoyed recording "Por la rivera de Paquito", featuring Paquito D’Rivera and the live-DVD "Sonidos qui cuentan”. In 2020 Hernán and I will be working in a new CD, together and with the Dutch Orchestra "Libero Strijkorkest". We will be making a repertoire dedicated to the music that was done between Spain, Cuba and America in general. It relates to what is usually called "ritmos de ida y vuelta" (back and forth rhythms), but we are doing new contributions to this common history, including our own arrangements and including also Dutch composers. In Cuba a crazy mixture like this one would be called colloquially "arroz con mango”.
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
My schedule is now focused on the new album. We should not only worry about studying the music to record the new album, but also to choose it, arrange it and even compose it. At the same time we must seek for financial help, work on the graphic design, the manufacture… It is a complex and complicated process, but that is what we love to do, we love taking care of every single detail during the production so that the final product is really like 100% our little creature.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
In September I start teaching at the Real Conservatorio Superior de Madrid. Making good classes and teach my students in a professional way so they could achieve a high level is what most concerns me.
What inspires you the most in life?
My daughters and music.
What has been your greatest challenge?
I started my life in Spain at age 23 and that was a challenge for me, I was an illegal immigrant at that time and I had to do various jobs outside the music. Later, I started being a street musician, also a difficult challenge. By the way, in my class I have a picture of me playing in the street because I want my students not only to learn to play the flute, but also to know that everything has a price, and that price is that we need to sacrifice everything for our future.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
In Cuba, Alberto Corrales, then in Spain the classes I received from Riccardo Ghiani were very important for me. Both provided me the facet of being a very persevering person. The commitment to music is perhaps the greatest learning that I was given.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
Cook without a recipe, escape from the world in my thoughts, design things that do not go anywhere, furniture, instruments ... I like entering the churches and discover them, even though I am an atheist. I also enjoy eating and trying the weirdest foods all around the World.
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
The first one is that he or she should aspire to be a musician, not a flutist. The second advice is that performers should open their spectrum, that they must be capable of playing many different types of music and also doing it with and without sheet music. And finally, the third one, I will keep it for a conversation in a bar.
ANNALEENA JÄMSÄ
BIO: Annaleena Jämsä works as Principal Flutist in the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra since 2009. In addition, she is a member of the Oslo Kammerakademi, and frequently guests with orchestras in Finland, Norway and Sweden. Jämsä is the Competition Coordinator of the Tampere Flute Fest.
Can you give us 5 career highlights?
Winning an audition for a permanent job for the first time in my life felt incredible. That was in the Oulu Symphony Orchestra almost 20 years ago.
The chemistry between the orchestra where I play nowadays, the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, and our chief conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, and the energy in the concerts.
Playing with the wind chamber group Oslo Kammerakademi. Our ensemble turned 10 years last year.
The magical moment when a student's eyes suddenly open to her possibilities.
Any of those concerts when sitting in the middle of an orchestra or a chamber group and listening to the music around you suddenly gives you chills.
How about 3 pivotal moments that were essential to creating the artist that you've become?
Being very lucky to get an excellent very first flute teacher, Marja-Leena Mäkilä. She was very motivated and positive, loved music and created an inspiring and atmosphere among her students. Many of the “kids” are still my best friends and became also professional musicians. My parents have also been incredibly supportive always.
I'm very thankful that I was given the chance to learn and get experience in a professional orchestra as a young musician.
The moment when I realized that being nervous is not something you should hide or deny, but gives you very important energy.
What do you like best about performing?
When on stage, I'm trying to focus on the expression and the music itself. The best that can happen is when someone is touched.
CD releases?
Oslo Kammerakademi: Leipzig!
Suomalaista musiikkia huilulle ja jousiorkesterille 1&2 (Finnish music for flute and string orchestra), Jalas Chamber conducted by Juhani Numminen, various soloists including me. Released by Finland's Flute Association.
Many recordings as a principal flutist with different orchestras
What does your schedule look like for the next 6 months?
The Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating it's 90th anniversary this year and we have a very interesting season coming up. We will for example play two concerts based on the orchestra's very first concert programs in 1930.
I am also busy with Oslo Kammerakademi. We are recording a new cd of French chamber music for winds in February and traveling to Germany for a little tour in March.
In summer 2020 I will be teaching in three events: The Kälviä Music Camp and the Raudaskylä Wind Music Camp in Finland and the Oslo Kammerakademi Summer course in Norway.
What are your goals personally? Professionally?
Personally, my goal is to live in the moment, spend as much time with my family as possible, learn from my children, and be as good mother, wife and friend as I possibly can.
Professionally, my goal is to keep my positive attitude towards work until the day I retire. I understand that I'm very privileged when I can actually make music for living. I don't want to take anything for granted.
What inspires you the most in life?
My family, definitely. My husband, who is the warmest person and who I appreciate more than anyone in so many ways. We have two sweet children, Ariela (4) and Herman (2).
What has been your greatest challenge?
To stop being overly critical of myself. I've learned how to use nervousness to my advantage in a concert.
Who were your music mentors? and what did you learn from them?
Ilpo Mansnerus, who was my teacher in Sibelius Academy. He is breathing music.
Can you give us 5 quirky, secret, fun, (don't think too much about this) hobbies or passions?
My favourite things: a big cup of coffee, hotel breakfast, swimming, Finnish sauna, dogs
What 3 things would you offer as advice for a young flutist?
Learn to love practicing! You will spend a significant amount of your time on it anyway, why not enjoy.
Always keep the point in mind: the music. Search for colours, think about the meaning of phrases, go to concerts, listen to different recordings and interpretations.