Famous Flutists of the World: Introducing Captivating, Breathtaking Masterpieces That Enthrall Audiences
Master performers who freely command the flute, drawing out its delicate tones.
Across the world, there are many renowned flutists whose names have been passed down through the ages.
In this feature, we introduce a wide range of artists—from towering figures who have etched their names into music history to rising talents who have achieved brilliant results at prestigious international competitions and are poised to write a new chapter in the flute’s story.
Alongside videos of celebrated performances that have captivated audiences, discover famous flutists active on the world stage.
We hope this article leads you to a favorite flutist who will capture your heart.
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World-Famous Flutists: Introducing Captivating, Breathtaking Performances (Nos. 21–30)
J.S. Bach: Badinerie (Finale) from Orchestral Suite No. 2, BWV 1067Philippe Gaubert
Philippe Gaubert, known as a master of the French music world, was active as a flutist, conductor, and composer, captivating many with his musicality.
He entered the Paris Conservatory at the age of 13 and later performed as a flutist and conductor at the Paris Opera.
In July 1919, he was appointed flute professor at the Paris Conservatory, dedicating himself to training the next generation.
Gaubert’s works are characterized by melodic and harmonic richness.
He also left many pedagogical pieces for the flute, which are still beloved by flutists around the world today.
With his delicate tone and rich expressiveness, Gaubert continues to win the hearts of classical music fans.
Highly recommended for those who want to experience the charm of French music.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Andante in C major for Flute and Orchestra, K. 315Kudō Shigenori
At the age of ten, I met Mr.
Nobuhiro Sasaki, principal flutist of the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, and took lessons from him.
He is one of Japan’s leading flutists, active around the world—serving as a professor at Tokyo College of Music and, focusing on solo performances, having given recitals in more than 180 cities across 40 countries by 2004.
Christoph Willibald Gluck: Flute Concerto in G majorMaxence Larrieu
Maxence Larrieu is a flutist from Marseille, France.
He entered the Marseille Conservatory at the age of 10, studying under Joseph Rampal (the father of Jean-Pierre Rampal).
He was a prizewinner at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich and won the Geneva International Music Competition.
He has performed around the world for over 50 years.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 314, 1st movementWilliam Bennett
He is a British flutist.
He has served as principal player with many orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and the English Chamber Orchestra.
In 1995, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) by Queen Elizabeth for his contributions to music.
Ben Tucker：Comin’ Home BabyHerbie Mann
He is an American jazz flutist.
In his early years he also played tenor saxophone and clarinet (including bass clarinet), but as a flute technician who broke the boundaries of jazz and a pioneer of “world music,” he is regarded as one of the most outstanding jazz musicians using the flute since the 1960s.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major, K. 314, Movement IIIKanda Hiroaki
Hiroaki Kanda graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for one year starting in 1995.
In 2007, he completed his graduate studies at Tokyo University of the Arts.
He won first prize at the Japan Flute Convention Competition and at the 8th Japan Wind and Percussion Competition.
He is the principal flutist of the NHK Symphony Orchestra and has held the principal chair for over ten years.
He is regarded as one of the top five flutists in Japan.
François Borne: Carmen FantasyUeno Yoshie
They made their CD debut in the summer of 2011, simultaneously releasing two albums: Opera Fantasy, a collection of opera arrangements, and Karak, which spotlighted composer Isang Yun.
Since April 2012, they have been serving as a part-time lecturer at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.