Michael Cox Flute Course 2024

'Michael Cox is one of the most inspiring and sought-after flute players and pedagogues in the world. He is Principal Flute of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Orchestra led by Joshua Bell; Principal Flute of the London Mozart Players directed by Jonathan Bloxham (Conductor in Residence and Artistic Advisor) and Howard Shelley (Conductor Laureate); Principal Flute of the London Sinfonietta; and guest Principal with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Emerita Fellow Associate Professor Elizabeth Koch AM directed the fourth flute course to be held in Adelaide with Michael Cox in October this year. The course attracted some of the best players from around the country, and teachers, performers and students flocked to Adelaide from all states and New Zealand to immerse themselves in Michael's teaching during this specially curated schedule which developed the players who had auditioned for him. The course is unlike any other around the world and involved Michael presenting an astonishing and strenuous schedule.

Elder Conservatorium graduate Leigh Harrold played an integral role throughout the week and both Michael and Leigh played to an enthusiastic crowd at Elder Hall, resulting in a standing ovation. The world premiere of Associate Professor Carl Crossin's new piece A Question of Being... Flutesong No. 1 (commissioned by Elizabeth Koch) was an outstanding success, as were the Australian premieres of Celebration by George Lewis and Samurai Song by Michael Cox.

Congratulations to the Adelaide performers who were chosen for the course, including current Elder Conservatorium student Alex Byrne and graduates Jenny Hu, Amelia Wang, and Lauren Borg. Thank you too to Professor Anna Goldsworthy, Martin Victory, Carl Crossin OAM, Dr Kathryn Moorhead and Dr Julia Grenfell for their warm support. The feedback from the visit has been phenomenal and we are planning for the 2026 Michael Cox Flute Course.'

Associate Professor Elizabeth Koch AM
Emerita Fellow
University of Adelaide