Clarksville, TN – Every summer, one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite musicians leaves England to spend a week in the humid air hovering around Clarksville Tennessee.
That’s because William Bennett, an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and “the greatest living flute player in the world,” has picked Austin Peay State University as the site of his Summer Flute Academy—his only master class offered in the U.S.
“He’s just a great teacher and a charismatic player,” Dr. Lisa Wolynec, APSU professor of music, said. “He’s very interested in the expressive components of the flute.”
Wolynec, herself a gifted flutist, will join Bennett that evening for a performance of Danish composer Friedrich Kuhlau’s Trio in G Major. The program will also feature some of Bennett’s favorite pieces, other faculty associated with the Flute Academy and a flute choir comprised of attendees of the class.
The concert is open to the public with a suggested donation of $10.00, but audience members will get to sit on stage with the performers for a more casual, relaxed experience. Megan Gale, a Nashville musician and former accompanist at the Rice School of Music in Houston, will accompany the performers on the piano.
Bennett studied the flute under the legendary flutist Marcel Moise at the Paris Conservatory, and he will share his extensive knowledge of the instrument with attendees of his summer academy.
Students sent in audition recordings from all over the country for the chance to play for him in the master class. Individuals interested in simply auditing the class can pay a daily fee of $125.00 to attend.
For more information on the concerts or the master class, contact Wolynec at wolynecl@apsu.edu.
