The flute is one of the most beautiful musical instruments in the world. The instrument has permeated through dozens of music genres, lending itself to help create some of the most moving and emotional music pieces in history. The people on this list are masters of the flute and are considered giants in the musical world.
Here is a list of nine famous flutists in the world.
1. James Galway
James Galway is considered the greatest flute player and the world’s most famous by many seasoned and newbie flute players. Popularly regarded as the man with the golden flute, James Galway has experienced success like no other flute player; he has headlined myriad shows and continues to tour successfully.
2. Georges Barrère
Barrère played a significant role in shaping modern flutists to perceive the instrument. So, he holds a prominent position in history as one of the greats. Barrère lived between 1876 and 1944, where he helped to set a standard for American flute players.
3. Mott Molloy
Matt Molloy is a talented Irish flute player that also started playing the flute as a little boy. Matt was one of the most brilliant musicians in Ireland as his unique style has helped to influence thousands of other new upcoming Irish musicians and flute players.
4. Bobbi Humphrey
Bobbi Humphrey was the first lady of flute, a title she acquired after she became the first female flute player to sign a recording deal with Blue Note Records in 1971. She is most popularly known for her jazz-funk and soul-jazz fusion, which has seen her perform in front of millions of audiences in many different parts of the world.
5. Jean-Pierre Rampal
Jean- Pierre Rampal was a French Flutists that is best known for his 18k golden flute. If it were not for dedicated flute players such as Jean- Pierre Rampal, solo flutist of the world today would have a difficult time garnering respect.
6. Emmanuel Pahud
Emmanuel Pahud is a well-known and respected Swiss flute player that has been studying and playing the flute since he was 6. He has won numerous awards for his flute playing, including the remarkable Chevalier dansl’ Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, which the French government awarded for his music role.
7. Jasmine Choi
World-famous flutist Jasmine Choi has performed in numerous stages across the globe as a full-time orchestral musician, active soloist, and chamber musician. She performs in a variety of styles, including pop, jazz, as well as experimental music.
8. Herbie Mann
Herbie Mann was a revered American jazz flute player known for his Brazilian and African rhythms for his jazz compositions. He is considered one of the first jazz artists to specialize in playing the flute, although he played several other instruments, including the tenor sax and the bass clarinet.
9. Gareth Davies
Flutist Gareth Davies is among some of the best flute players in the world. At a young age, he was appointed principal flute in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra when he was only 23 years old but moved to the London Symphony Orchestra, where he has remained until today.