New York Flute Club

Join the New York Flute Club this Sunday for our 2026 Annual Meeting & Ensemble Concert at Pearl Studios! 🎶✨

Celebrate an afternoon of music, community, and collaboration as members of the NYFC Ensemble Program, directed by Mark Vickers, present a special end-of-season performance in the heart of New York City.

📍 Pearl Studios, 500 8th Ave, NYC - Room 1209
🗓 Sunday, May 17
⏰ 3:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring afternoon of live music and fellowship. Light refreshments will follow the concert.

Highlights from our 𝔸𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕝 𝕁𝕒𝕫𝕫 𝔽𝕝𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕡 𝕞𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 🪈
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Closing out our last JFW session of the season - Featuring Presenter, Flutist, and Educator 𝑀𝒾𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓁𝑒 𝒮𝓂𝒾𝓉𝒽, and Moderator 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝓅 𝒮𝒽𝑒𝓁𝒹𝑜𝓃.

Take a listen as Michelle talks about the importance of fundamental practice for ease in 𝕀𝕞𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟!

Flutes + history + a little NYC throwback moment = the perfect recipe for a great online event! 🎶✨

The New York Flute Club presents 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝗸—a fascinating deep dive into the instruments, makers, and musical voices that helped shape early New York’s flute scene 🇺🇸🎼

Featuring 𝗪𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘀, 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲, and 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗟𝘆𝗻𝗻 🪈

🗓 Thursday, April 16
🕖 7:00 PM (EDT)
💻 FREE Online Event

It’s giving history, artistry, and a little time travel ⏳🎶

Exclusive Interview with 1st Prize Winner of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳 🥇

We caught up with Rafael ahead of the Winners Concert and asked about his musical journey—from seeking out performance opportunities and feedback to his deepening artistic voice through challenging repertoire. 🎼

When asked what has been inspiring him lately, Rafael shared that the people he loves continue to encourage him to keep pushing forward. He also reflected on how meaningful mentorship and musical connections have shaped his artistic path.

Looking ahead to the Winners Concert, Rafael expressed excitement about sharing music with the audience and continuing to grow through performance alongside fellow artists in this celebration of artistry and community. ✨

INTERVIEW BY COMPETITION COORDINATOR, KAORU HINATA

Join us tomorrow for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Church of Christ and Saint Stephen’s
120 West 69th Street, NYC

✨ FREE ADMISSION ✨

Rafael will showcase his artistry alongside pianist 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐨 (), performing:

• Requiem Milonga – Valerie Coleman (b. 1970)
• Chant de Linos – André Jolivet (1905–1974)
• Summerland – William Grant Still (1895–1978)
• Terra Nova (2025) – Kacper Madejek (b. 1999)

🗞️ Exclusive Interview with 2nd Prize Winner of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐢 🥈

We caught up with Kara ahead of the Winners Concert and asked about her musical journey—from her early inspirations to the details she loves most about her instrument, including its wide range of colors and expressive possibilities. 🎼

When asked what has been inspiring her lately, Kara shared that attending live performances—from the NY Phil to student recitals and school orchestras—has been especially meaningful, fueling her curiosity and love for music. She also spoke about the importance of staying grounded in joy and expression through performance.

Looking ahead to the Winners Concert, Kara shared her excitement about sharing music on stage and being part of a community of young artists coming together to celebrate this special moment. ✨

INTERVIEW BY COMPETITION COORDINATOR, KAORU HINATA

Join us tomorrow for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Church of Christ and Saint Stephen’s
120 West 69th Street, NYC

✨ FREE ADMISSION ✨

Kara will showcase her artistry alongside pianist 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠 (), performing:

• Morceau de concours – Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924)
• Fantaisie Pastorale Hongroise – Franz Doppler (1821–1883)

🗞️ Exclusive Interview with 3rd Prize Winner of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫 🥉

We caught up with Matthew ahead of the Winners Concert and asked about his musical journey—from discovering the piccolo before the flute to performing deeply meaningful works on stage. 🎼

When asked what he’s most looking forward to, Matthew shared his excitement about sharing music with fellow artists and being part of this special celebration of artistry and community.

INTERVIEW BY COMPETITION COORDINATOR, KAORU HINATA

Join us tomorrow for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Church of Christ and Saint Stephen’s
120 West 69th Street, NYC

✨ FREE ADMISSION ✨

Matthew will perform alongside pianist 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐨 (), featuring:

• Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune – Claude Debussy (arr. Gustave Samazeuilh, ed. Alice Jones)
• Movin’ On for solo flute – Rhonda Larson ()

ＣＯＲＲＥＣＴＩＯＮ: 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕪, 𝔸𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕝 𝟙𝟚𝕥𝕙, 𝟟𝕡𝕞, Our 𝕁𝕒𝕫𝕫 𝔽𝕝𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕡 will be holding its April Meeting.

To join the Jazz Flute Workshop, send an email with the subject heading “Interested in Jazz Flute Workshop” to Chip Shelton at [email protected] and return the short applicant questionnaire that will be sent to you. Space is limited; reserve your spot now!

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𝕎ℍ𝔼ℕ: Sunday, April 12th, 2026 - 2:00-4:00 PM

𝕎ℍ𝔼ℝ𝔼: OPERA America’s National Opera Center,
330 7th Ave, NYC - Studio 706

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Led by ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕊𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕥𝕠𝕟 (.chip), the JFW immerses Club members, “jazz newbies” and experienced alike, in the joy of musical improvisation as applied in the jazz idiom, which originated in 19th-century America. This activity welcomes players of all playing abilities and invited participants to expand their musical horizons and develop new skills.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒀 𝑭𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒆.

𝘕𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴.

𝓢𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓭𝓪𝔂, 𝓐𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓵 8𝓽𝓱: Our 𝕁𝕒𝕫𝕫 𝔽𝕝𝕦𝕥𝕖 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕡 will be holding its April Meeting.

To join the Jazz Flute Workshop, send an email with the subject heading “Interested in Jazz Flute Workshop” to Chip Shelton at [email protected] and return the short applicant questionnaire that will be sent to you. Space is limited; reserve your spot now!

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𝕎ℍ𝔼ℕ: Saturday, April 11th, 2026 - 2:00-4:00 PM

𝕎ℍ𝔼ℝ𝔼: OPERA America’s National Opera Center,
330 7th Ave, NYC - Studio 706

—————————————————————

Led by ℂ𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕊𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕥𝕠𝕟 (.chip), the JFW immerses Club members, “jazz newbies” and experienced alike, in the joy of musical improvisation as applied in the jazz idiom, which originated in 19th-century America. This activity welcomes players of all playing abilities and invited participants to expand their musical horizons and develop new skills.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒀 𝑭𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒆.

𝘕𝘰 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭

We are pleased to present the winners of the 2026 NY Flute Competition in a special concert:

🥇 1st Prize: 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐌é𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐳
🥈 2nd Prize: 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐢
🥉 3rd Prize: 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Church of Christ and Saint Stephen’s
120 West 69th Street, NYC

✨ FREE ADMISSION ✨

Accompanied by talented pianists 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐨 and 𝐒𝐢𝐲𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠 ( ), experience the artistry of these exceptional young flutists as they perform a diverse program of solo and chamber works, including compositions by Debussy, Fauré, Doppler, Rhonda Larson ( ), Valerie Coleman ( ), Kacper Markel ( )and William Grant Still.

Join us for this showcase of emerging talent and support the next generation of professional flutists.

Celebrating our 3rd Prize Winner of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫 🥉

Join us for the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶

Sunday, April 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Church of Christ and Saint Stephen’s
120 West 69th Street, NYC

✨FREE ADMISSION✨

Matthew will showcase his artistry alongside pianist 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐨 (), performing:

•• Prélude à l'après midi d'un faune – Claude Debussy (1862-1918), arr. Gustave Samazeuilh, ed. Alice Jones
• Movin' On for solo flute – Rhonda Larson (b. 1963)

𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐫 (.ober ) is a flutist and teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland pursuing a master of musical arts at the Yale School of Music.

Matthew has performed with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, York Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Opera Company, at the National Gallery of Art and the Brevard Music Center, and has received prizes at the South Carolina Flute Society and the Flute Society of Washington. He is a recipient of the National Federation of Music Clubs Beth McAuley Southeast Region Award and is an Omicron Delta Kappa National Leader in the Arts.

Matthew graduated with his master’s from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and earned a double degree, magna cm laude, in flute performance and information science from the University of Maryland, College Park. His primary teachers are Tara Helen O’Connor, Marina Piccinini, Sarah Frisof, and Aaron Goldman, with additional mentorship from Erica Peel.

Matthew has been awarded fellowships and will be attending both the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and New Music Seminar this summer.

Don’t miss the chance to hear this exceptional artist live!