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How did your journey to becoming a professional musician start?
When I was about 8 years old my parents took me to an oboe recital in Beirut...I had never seen an oboe before and I will never forget how his face went all red and puffed up...and the most glorious sound came out....that is when I fell in love with wind instruments - I think it is magical how invisible air can be harnessed into such powerful structures of sound...
I started the flute in Beirut when I was twelve. My step-father, who was a violinist, was my principal teacher until I came to study at Chetham's School of Music when I was seventeen. That is when I was exposed to the flute world. What made you choose to become a professional musician?
I don't think I had much of a choice....I was useless at school, but by the time I was about fourteen it was clear that I had finally found something that earned me some respect from my teachers...my flute. Once my teachers knew I had a focus and a passion in my life, they left me to my own devices. I used practice in every break at school. There was nothing else that interested me, once music took root in me.
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Who were the most influential people in your development as a musician?
My step-father....because he instilled love and discipline in me and taught me to go after a musical idea, even if I did not know how to go about it. Also, with hindsight, the conductor Claudio Abbado was a huge influence on me. He personified music for me...and he made conducting look so easy. He also gave me some of my biggest breaks.
Although I have respected a lot of flute players, I have not looked to them for inspiration - I preferred to find my own voice on the flute.
Although I have respected a lot of flute players, I have not looked to them for inspiration - I preferred to find my own voice on the flute.
What is your favourite part of performing? Some artists say it’s the preparation leading up to a performance or the rush during the performance. What’s yours?
I think a miracle happens in every performance. There is such a barrier to overcome...I am up against my fears and limitations in a very real way, every time. Yet, the most difficult time is just a few minutes before the performance...once I start, love and passion take over. I find that to be such a beautiful process. We are capable of SO MUCH MORE than we think... and taking risks is the only way of finding out and overcoming our fears. This is a process that never gets easier - but it has taught me so much about myself and about life. Music has made me a better person than I would have been.
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The inevitable deserted island question… You’re on a deserted island with your instrument and you can only have 5 pieces of music. What are they?
Silence has to be there....I don't like that kind of question. Any music that is inspired and sincere. And SILENCE has to be there.
What is your most treasured possession?
I suppose my flute
Which composer's work do you feel you perform best and why?
I really don't know. I tend to fall in love with whatever I am playing.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
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So many memories. Don't ask me to choose between them!
In a concert setting, what is your definition of success?
When I manage to forget who I am and fly with the music.
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What do you do in your everyday life (off the stage or out of the studio) that provides inspiration for your performances?
Life is the inspiration of music...it is easy to forget that, when there are so many notes to learn!! Therefore it is important to embrace ALL of life....especially nature.
For someone of any age who is thinking of learning a musical instrument, what are some words of advice you have for them?
It is not what you do, that matters...it is WHY you do it. As long as love is in your heart, beautiful things will happen.
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What do you think needs to be done to grow classical music audiences?
There needs to be more authenticity and more communication. We need less gimmicks, more substance. Let me know when you have the answer.
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What are some lifelong projects that you hope to accomplish?
Apart from continuing my journey as a flute player, I would like to grow my conducting over the next years.
In scary or unsure times, what keeps you going?
The definition of scare and unsure times....is the absence of love. Therefore, as long as love is burning within, all WILL be well.
What have been the biggest challenges in your career so far?
One of the biggest words for me...is TRUST. I have found it very challenging to learn to trust in people, in myself, in the future....but I know that where these is love, trust is not far away. Trusting that all will be well...this is incredibly liberating and empowering. My friend the flute has taught me this and I am learning how to let go and delight in the energies of the cosmos.
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