The Atlantic Flute Society

Thanks to the co-sponsorship of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Haligonians were treated to a wonderful performance from Memorial University faculty members Michelle Cheramy and Christina Szutor.  Performing with clarity, control and tight ensemble, the pair opened with Sonata in E minor, BWV 1034 by J.S. Bach.  This was followed with a cleverly arranged sequence of expressive nocturnes: the first by Philippe Gaubert for flute and piano; the second by Frederic Chopin for solo piano in C minor, op. 48, no. 1; and the third a modern nocturne by Lowell Lieberman for solo piano, op. 38, no. 4.  The pair re-formed for Benjamin Godard's fun-loving Suite de trois morceaux, op. 116.

After the intermission, Ms. Cheramy jumped with both feet into the intensely evocative and ghostly Voice, for solo flutist by Toru Takemitsu.  Along with techniques to stretch every sound-producing parameter of the instrument, ranging from the softest purr to great whoops and roars, the soloist also had to interject vocalisations in and around her playing, based on the phrase "Qui est la?" ("Who is there?").  This was certainly not a piece for the faint-hearted, and Ms. Cheramy confidently pulled us along for a great ride.  She was rejoined by Ms. Szutor for Sergei Prokofiev's classic Sonata in D major, op. 94, which is a rousing tour-de-force for both instruments.  With great maturity they adapted throughout the concert to the fact that the lid of the hall's piano had been removed for repair, and adjusted tone and balance to give a most enjoyable performance.

I attended Michelle Cheramy's masterclass the following day, and had the pleasure of hearing fine playing from students spanning a wide range of ages and experience, from pre-teen to adulthood.  In her lively and personable style Michelle adapted easily to the needs of each participant, and before long had them "kissing the far wall" (for soft piano), playing from their feet, and using other (sometimes humourous) imagery and very helpful techniques.

In addition to teaching at Memorial University, Michelle Cheramy is completing her doctorate at Rice University.  She has studied with Camille Churchfield, Peter Lloyd, and Leone Buyse and holds degrees from the University of British Columbia and Indiana University.  Christina Szutor obtained her masters degree at Juilliard and her doctorate at the University of British Columbia.