Interview with Lorna Mcghee – Part II
I heard Lorna play recently with the BSO Chamber Players at Jordan Hall in Boston and was further mesmerized by her phrasing and the colors that she elicits from the flute. In this next section of our interview, she talks about the aspects of the art of breathing and tone colors that inform her playing and permit her to play with effortless beauty. She discusses her flutes and why she prefers the Altus 1807AL model and the Louis Lot flute concepts in flute design. She also explains her desire to expand the flute repertoire as had been done by flutists Marcel Moyse and William Bennett. Additionally, Lorna talks about finding different aspects of human expression, a result of being inspired by other musicians and older recordings. Finally, she lists her favorite flutists performing today and upcoming projects. I hope you will find Lorna’s discussion refreshing and an inspiring, positive influence.
*Opening Track: Tomoso Antonio Vitali, Chaconne
*Closing Track: Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Caprice #30
About the Artist
Scottish-born flutist Lorna McGhee has been a major influence on American flute playing over the past several decades. As principal flute in the Pittsburgh Symphony since 2012, she set a standard for eloquent and subtle playing that is reflective of her most influential teachers, David Nicholson and William Bennett. Recently appointed as principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra beginning with the 2024/2025 season, she succeeds the marvelous Elizabeth Rowe in this most prestigious of American Orchestras. Lorna has also played co-principal flute with the BBC Orchestra of London as well as guested with numerous orchestras around the world including the Chicago Symphony, The London Philharmonic, the Academy of St. Martins-in-the-Fields, and the London Symphony, among others. Her love of chamber music led her to help create the Trio Verlaine with husband David Harding (viola) and Heidi Krutzen (harp). They have performed and recorded extensively while commissioning numerous works for this combination as well as new pieces for flute and harp. She has also been active as a teacher at the University of Michigan and Carnegie Mellon University as weIn this next section of our interview, she talks about the aspects of the art of breathing and tone colors that inform her playing and permit her to play with effortless beauty. She discusses her flutes and why she prefers the Altus 1807AL model and the Louis Lot flute concepts in flute design.ll as an in-demand recitalist and clinician at flute festivals and institutions around the world. Lorna McGhee is an honorary fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and is an Altus Flute Artist. Please investigate her website for further information at: www.LornaMcGhee.com.