Amy Gillen’s Debut CD: FLUTE CHAPTERS
Irish Flutist Amy Gillen is a Masters graduate of the Royal College of Music in London, where she was a Russell Race Scholar, and was also awarded the Tagore Gold Medal for outstanding contribution musically and to the life of the Royal College of Music by HRH King Charles. Amy has won prizes and awards both nationally and internationally, some of which include the Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year; Sir James Galway Rising Star Award; 2018 Irish Heritage Bursary with debut in Wigmore Hall, Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Woodwind and Brass Bursary; Blackwater Valley Opera Festival Bursary, etc. Amy has been invited to play for many distinguished guests some of which include: HRH King Charles, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco in the Yacht Club in Monte Carlo, Minister Catherine Martin (Minister of arts and culture in Ireland), Minister Simon Coveney (Irish TD), HRH Duke of Kent and Amy is a Nagahara Flutes Boston Artist.
How did the concept for this album evolve?
The concept for this album evolved from wanting to create an album which showcases the incredible versatility and sound capacity of the flute whilst also paying homage to composers who have and had a special association with the flute. For this reason, I have titled the album ‘Flute Chapters’. The Producer for this album was Paddy Lennon, who is the former Chair of the Irish Heritage Charitable Foundation in London.
Can you tell us about the recording experience?
I recorded this album at the iconic Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin where many famous names have recorded such as U2, The Cranberries, Niall Horan, Lewis Capaldi and many other notable national and international artists. Kevin O’Reilly (who also mixed the album), Luke Conlon and Brian Cory were the engineers who recorded the album on the day. They made the whole professional experience so enjoyable. We spent a full day in the studio to record the album. It was a mammoth task and I am so thrilled with the result. The album was also mastered at Aesopian Acoustics in Dublin.
What did you like best about your project?
I enjoyed every aspect of this project, from the concept, to the practice preparation, to the recording session to finally hearing the finished album! I particularly appreciated the opportunity to record at the renowned Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. It was surreal when the CDs arrived - ‘Flute Chapters’ - a definite pinch me moment! The official launch of the album in Dublin on 18th April was a highlight.
What did you find the most challenging?
I didn’t find any part of creating the CD challenging. What seemed to work effectively, was having a plan and executing it step by step. The process was made so easy by the wonderful experienced professional team involved. My next challenge is to consider a concert series to promote the album and to record Flute Chapters 2.
Track 1: Earth - Takatsugu Muramatsu
Track 2: Souvenir des Alpes - Theobold Boehm
Track 3: Airs Valaques - Franz Doppler
Track 4: Fantaisie - Philippe Gaubert
Track 5: Syrinx - Claude Debussy
Track 6: Carmen Fantasy - Pablo de Sarasate
Bonus track: The Town I Loved So Well - Phil Coulter
Accompanist: Gary Beecher (piano)
Composers:
Takatsugu Muramatsu
Theobold Boehm
Franz Doppler
Philippe Gaubert
Claude Debussy
Pablo de Sarasate
Phil Coulter