Rogério Wolf, president of the Brazilian Flute Association, played Widor’s Suite, Op. 34. With a gorgeous tone, Wolf was equally at home with a powerful Vivace as a subdued Andante. He demonstrated nimble articulation and lovely timbres. Even when playing pianissimo, his intonation was flawless. Finally, Wolf, despite being a powerful player, maintained very compact physical movement.
Next, the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Susan Milan, played Gaubert’s Sonata No. 3. She demonstrated great intonation and beautiful timbres, particularly during the third movement.
Milan followed Gaubert with Takemitsu’s Air. Though this piece requires little extended technique other than bent notes and flutter tonguing, Milan handled it all gracefully.
The recital closed with Milan joined by flutist and former student Kevin Gowland (Royal Northern College of Music) to perform Doppler’s “Valse di Bravura.” The two flutists complemented each other, and it was clear they truly enjoyed playing together.
The audience gave a standing ovation, but there was no encore.