Conor Nelson, flute
Praised for his “long-breathed phrases and luscious tone” by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Canadian flutist Conor Nelson gave his New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and has appeared frequently as soloist and recitalist throughout the United States and abroad. Recent solo engagements include performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and numerous other orchestras. Other recent highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The only wind player to win the Grand Prize at the WAMSO Young Artist Competition, he also won first prize at the William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition.
As a member of the Conor & Ayano Duo (flute and percussion), he has performed at Merkin Concert Hall, CAMI Hall, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Izumi Hall, and as guest artists for the Ottawa Flute Association in Canada. A recital last season at the Tokyo Opera City Hall received numerous broadcasts on NHK Television. The duo recently released a CD on the New Focus Recordings label.
Conor is currently the Assistant Professor of Flute at Bowling Green State University. He previously taught at Oklahoma State University and has given master classes at over forty colleges and universities. He received degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, and Stony Brook University where he was the winner of the school-wide concerto competitions at all three institutions. His principal teachers include Carol Wincenc, Ransom Wilson, Linda Chesis and Susan Hoeppner.