Emi Ferguson Wins Avery Fisher Career Grant
EMI FERGUSON plays baroque flutes, modern flutes, and everything in between as a soloist, and as a member of the Handel & Haydn Society, AMOC, NYNME, and the Manhattan Chamber Players. Emi’s albums Fly the Coop: Bach Sonatas and Preludes with Ruckus(2019) and Amour Cruel (2017) were amongst the top 10 on the Classical & World Music Billboard Charts. Emi is a proud recipient of the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant, awarded to artists with great potential for major careers in classical music. More at: www.emiferguson.com
⭐️WOW!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! How does it feel to receive an Avery Fisher Career Grant?
Like I’m living in a dream! I am so deeply honored and grateful for this recognition. I am still pinching myself that I am now the fourth flute player awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant in the past 50 years, and I could not be more honored to join the most wonderful and inspiring flute players Marina Piccinini, Tara Helen O’Connor, and Demarre McGill as a recipient of this award.
⭐️What do you plan to do with the grant money?
I am really excited that I’ll be using the money to help create my next record with continuo band Ruckus, Microcosms - featuring the music of Georg Philipp Telemann and GyörgyLigeti and to also start my own performing and producing platform, Exquisite Corpse - stay tuned!
⭐️What are some of your upcoming events where we can look forward to hearing you?
The best place to hear me is online - my albums Fly the Coop: Bach Sonatas and Preludes, and Amour Cruel are available to stream anywhere!
But…in person, here are a few highlights coming up in different parts of the country:
April 25 // Recital with harpist Ashley Jackson at The Morgan Library, New York NYApril 22-28 // Chamber Music with the Handel & Haydn Society // Boston MAMay 1 // New York New Music Ensemble, New York NYMay 24 // American Modern Opera Company, New York, NYJune 7-10 // Ojai Music Festival, Ojai CA
⭐️Can you share with us the process to get an Avery Fisher Career Grant? Is there an application? Or is it an appointment?
You only find out that you were under consideration if/when they give you the award. There is no application process, but nominating members can submit names for consideration that then go to a smaller panel for the final decision. It’s all a big secret until the news is announced!
⭐️What do you think were the factors that contributed to your success?
I have been incredibly fortunate to have many people who have supported me and without them, this would not be possible. From my parents, to my teachers, my schools, and so so so many others, this award is truly a representation of the work, love, and support of so many people and places and for that I am deeply deeply grateful. I am also so indebted to the incredible flute community for inspiring and nurturing me into the artist I am today. I am so proud to get to play this amazing instrument and to represent the flute in this years awards!