Susan Milan
Encyclopedia
Susan Milan ARCM PG, GSMD, FRCM, is an English Professor
of flute
of the Royal College of Music
, classical performer, recording artiste, composer, author and entrepreneur.
. During 1960 to 1966, she was a member of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra
. From 1963 to 1967, she was a scholar of the Royal College of Music, graduating with honours, where she later become a Professor of Flute in 1984. From 1966-72, she attended Marcel Moyse master classes in Boswil. In 1967, she was awarded a Countess of Munster Scholarship to study as a Post Graduate under Geoffrey Gilbert at the Guildhall School of Music. After graduation in 1968, she was invited to become Principal Flute of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta
. In 1974, she made musical history by being appointed the first woman principal and member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
where she remained for eight years. Since then she has sustained a multi-dimensional career as an orchestral guest principal, chamber musician, soloist, recording artiste, composer, author, musicologist, teacher, lecturer and entrepreneur. In 2001, she was appointed Artistic Director of Woodwind for the Evergreen Orchestra, Taiwan. In 2007, she was appointed Adjunct Professor of Music at Henan University
, China, and founded the Charterhouse International Music Festival for outstanding young musicians.
, Ibert, Dutilleux, Poulenc and Feld
) for Upbeat Records and Master Classics.
Her most recent recording of contemporary British works for flute and piano, with the pianist Andrew Ball, was released on the Metier label in 2008. She has also recorded the Schmidt Concerto by Ole Schmidt with Schmidt conducting, for the Da Capo label. In 2010, she began recording the Simpson Concerto for Hyperion.
Recent commissions have included a concerto from the American composer Keith Gates, “Oiseau Soleil” for flute and piano by the French composer Jean Sichler, “The Moon Dances” by the British composer Cecilia McDowall, “Sonata” by British composer Brian Lock and “Octagon” by British composer Ian Finney. Her accompanist, pianist Ian Brown has worked with Schering, Rostropovich, Galway and other famous classical musicians.
teacher and lecturer, she has often featured on the BBC
.
She has given numerous UK and world premieres, touring frequently throughout Europe, US, Australia and the Far East. Milan has given solo appearances in Holland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, US, Hong Kong, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Milan has also given convention performances in Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US (Washington, Boston, New York, Phoenix, Las Vegas).
Arrangements
Professor
A professor is a scholarly teacher; the precise meaning of the term varies by country. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes" being usually an expert in arts or sciences; a teacher of high rank...
of flute
Flute
The flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
of the Royal College of Music
Royal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
, classical performer, recording artiste, composer, author and entrepreneur.
Biography
Susan Milan was born in London, the daughter of civil servants. Between 1958-63, she became a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of MusicRoyal College of Music
The Royal College of Music is a conservatoire founded by Royal Charter in 1882, located in South Kensington, London, England.-Background:The first director was Sir George Grove and he was followed by Sir Hubert Parry...
. During 1960 to 1966, she was a member of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra
London Schools Symphony Orchestra
The London Schools Symphony Orchestra is a symphony orchestra with musicians drawn from students in London schools, and featuring professional conductors and soloists. It was founded in 1951. Its founder and original director was the late Dr Leslie Russell, at one time assisted by Niso Ticciati....
. From 1963 to 1967, she was a scholar of the Royal College of Music, graduating with honours, where she later become a Professor of Flute in 1984. From 1966-72, she attended Marcel Moyse master classes in Boswil. In 1967, she was awarded a Countess of Munster Scholarship to study as a Post Graduate under Geoffrey Gilbert at the Guildhall School of Music. After graduation in 1968, she was invited to become Principal Flute of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Bournemouth Sinfonietta
The Bournemouth Sinfonietta was a chamber orchestra founded in 1968 as an off-shoot of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.-Formation:The orchestra was initially conducted by George Hurst, who acted as artistic adviser, and Nicholas Braithwaite, in order to perform the classical repertoire in the...
. In 1974, she made musical history by being appointed the first woman principal and member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London. It tours widely, and is sometimes referred to as "Britain's national orchestra"...
where she remained for eight years. Since then she has sustained a multi-dimensional career as an orchestral guest principal, chamber musician, soloist, recording artiste, composer, author, musicologist, teacher, lecturer and entrepreneur. In 2001, she was appointed Artistic Director of Woodwind for the Evergreen Orchestra, Taiwan. In 2007, she was appointed Adjunct Professor of Music at Henan University
Henan University
Henan University is a public university in Kaifeng, Henan, China.-History:Founded in 1912, Henan University is one of the oldest universities in China. It was originally named the Preparatory School for Further Study in Europe and America...
, China, and founded the Charterhouse International Music Festival for outstanding young musicians.
Activities
In 1979, Milan released her first solo recording on the ASV label. This was followed in 1981 by a second solo recording on the Hyperion label, and contracts with Chandos (1990) and Upbeat (1990). 1997 saw the issue of the Master Classics Archive Series of historic flute recordings featuring Milan. Described as the “Queen of the Flute” by journalist Huang Hua, Milan has recorded concertos, duos and chamber music recitals for the Hyperion, Da Capo, Omega, Cala, Metier and ASV labels. She has further recorded more than a dozen recordings of concertos and recitals for the Chandos label including three collections of French repertoire. She has also made recital recordings of French Impressionist composers (Saint-Saëns, Debussy, BoulangerBoulanger
Several notable persons share the very typical French/Francophone surname Boulanger which is the equivalent of the English surname Baker, of the Italian surname Panettiere, etc.:...
, Ibert, Dutilleux, Poulenc and Feld
Feld
Feld is a surname and may refer to:* Bernard T. Feld* Fritz Feld* Jindřich Feld, Czech composer* Judy Feld Carr* Kenneth Feld* Marc Bolan * Zieg Feld* Dart Feld...
) for Upbeat Records and Master Classics.
Her most recent recording of contemporary British works for flute and piano, with the pianist Andrew Ball, was released on the Metier label in 2008. She has also recorded the Schmidt Concerto by Ole Schmidt with Schmidt conducting, for the Da Capo label. In 2010, she began recording the Simpson Concerto for Hyperion.
Recent commissions have included a concerto from the American composer Keith Gates, “Oiseau Soleil” for flute and piano by the French composer Jean Sichler, “The Moon Dances” by the British composer Cecilia McDowall, “Sonata” by British composer Brian Lock and “Octagon” by British composer Ian Finney. Her accompanist, pianist Ian Brown has worked with Schering, Rostropovich, Galway and other famous classical musicians.
Performances
In the UK, Milan has performed as a Principal Flute and soloist with all the major orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, English Chamber Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, English String Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Welsh Orchestra, Philomusica of London, New London Orchestra and Haydn Festival Orchestra. In her a career as an orchestral guest principal, chamber musician, soloist,teacher and lecturer, she has often featured on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
.
She has given numerous UK and world premieres, touring frequently throughout Europe, US, Australia and the Far East. Milan has given solo appearances in Holland, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, US, Hong Kong, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Milan has also given convention performances in Australia, Costa Rica, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, the UK and the US (Washington, Boston, New York, Phoenix, Las Vegas).
Repertoire
Performing music from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, Milan specialises in the Baroque, classical, romantic, impressionist, contemporary periods. As well as a wide repertoire of recital and chamber music, she performs solo works by J. S. Bach, Hofmann, Khatchaturian, Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Vivaldi, with orchestra, as well as works by C. P. E. Bach, Carl Nielsen, Ibert, Jolivet, Reinecke, Stamitz and Telemann. She has also inspired contemporary composers to write for her, including Richard Rodney Bennett, Antal Dorati, Carl Davis, Chaminade, Frank Martin, Malcolm Arnold, Jindrich Feld, Edwin Roxburgh, Robert Saxton, Ole Schmidt, Robert Simpson and Cecilia McDowall.Ensembles
In the chamber music field, she formed The London Chamber Music Group (featuring flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello, piano and harp). With members of the group, she recorded the chamber music of Eugene Goossens for the Chandos label. She has also performed with The Debussy Ensemble, Weber Ensemble and Milan-Ball Duo. Susan formed the Milan Trio, with her second son, cellist Christopher Jepson, and the pianist Andrew Ball, and performs with the Instrumental Quintet of London, for flute, string trio and harp, with Nicholas ward, Matthew Jones, Sebastian Somberti and Ieuan Jones.Academic field
In 1992, Milan researched and published 19th century repertoire for Boosey & Hawkes. Several technical books followed including two technical scale books in 2000, and a handbook of programme notes, for flute performers in 2006. She is presently restoring a collection of historic [78”] recordings of flautists from 1910–1945, to be issued on the Master Classics label. She has given Master Classes in Australia (Adelaide); Germany (Berlin); China, (Beijing and Hong Kong); Germany (Weikersheim); Italy (Naples); Japan (Nagoya and Tokyo); Slovenia; South Africa; South Korea (Seoul); Spain; Switzerland (Ticino Festival); the UK (Charterhouse, Jackdaws and West Dean); and the US.Achievements
In 1960, Milan was presented with the Royal College of Music's Evekisch Prize by Sir Malcolm Sargeant. In recognition of her achievements, she was elected President of the British Flute Society in 1990 until 1995. She was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College College in November 1999 which was presented to her by HRH Prince Charles. Milan is listed in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Who’s Who in Music, and is a Patron of GAMPA, BASBWE and the Association of Woodwind Teachers.Recordings
Featuring Susan Milan- “Recital” - Prokofiev; Dutilleux; Saint-Saens; Ibert; Bozza; Susan Milan & Clifford Benson. Master Classics, 1982.
- “Suite For Flute and Strings in A Minor Concerto for Flute, Violin, Cello and Strings in A Minor” - Georg Philipp Telemann; Susan Milan with Camerata of St Andrew, Directed by Leonard Friedman. Omega, 1987.
- "Concertos in D Major and G Major, Andante in C, Rondo in C” - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Susan Milan with English Chamber Orchestra, Conductor: Raymond Leppard. Chandos, 1988.
- “Flute Fantaisie” (French Concours Pieces) - Faure, Grovlez, Ganne, Busser, Gaubert; Susan Milan & Ian Brown. Chandos, 1988.
- “Major Works for Flute and Piano” - Schubert, Martinu, Reinecke; Susan Milan & Ian Brown. Chandos, 1990.
- “La Flute Enchantee” (French Concertos & Solos) - Ibert, Martin, Jolivet, Godard, Chaminade, Saint-Saens; City Of London Sinfonia, Conductor: Richard Hickox. Chandos, 1990.
- “Complete Works For Flute and Piano Of Philippe Gaubert” - Philippe Gaubert; Susan Milan & Ian Brown. Chandos, 1991.
- “Quartets For Flute and Strings” - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Susan Milan with The Chilingirian String Quartet. Chandos, 1991.
- “Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto”, “Salieri Flute And Oboe Concerto” - Mozart, Salieri; City Of London Sinfonia, Conductor: Richard Hickox Chandos, 1992.
- “Beethoven Serenade and Trio” - Beethoven; Members of the Chilingirian String Quartet. Chandos, 1992.
- “Tarantella” - Saint Saens; London Philharmonic Orchestra, Conductor: Geoffrey Simon. Carla, 1993.
- “Concerto ‘Il Cardellino’”, R.V. 428 - Anton Vivaldi; Lucerne Festival Strings, Conductor: Rudolf Baumgartner. Denon, 1995.
- “Recital”, Opus 1 - Feld, Boulanger, Rutter, Sichler, Messiaen, Poulenc, Debussy, Saint-Saens; Susan Milan & Ian Brown. Upbeat/Master Classics, 1995.
- “Flute Concert” - Ole Schmidt; Manchester String Ensemble, Conductor: Ole Schmidt. Da Capo, 1996.
- “Chamber Music Of Eugene Goossens” - Eugene Goossens; Susan Milan with London Chamber Music Group. Chandos, 2004.
- “Out Of The Cool” (Living British Composers) - Rodney Bennett, McDowall, Heath, Lock, Butterworth, Saxton; Susan Milan & Andrew Ball. Metier, 2009.
Arrangements
- “Flute Archive Series 1: 1910-1945”, Performed by Rene Le Roy, Georges Barrère, Marcel Moyse. Master Classics, 1997.
- “Flute Archive Series 2: 1910 -1945”, Performed by Clement Barone, Albert Fransella, John Lemmoné, John Amadio. Master Classics, 1997.
Première Performances
- 1972 “Kavitta 2” - N. Sohal; South Bank Centre, London, England; Susan Milan flute, Jane Manning soprano.
- 1970 “Reflections For Solo Flute (After Debussy)” - P. Lamb; Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth, England; Susan Milan flute.
- 1973 “Krystallen Solo Flute” - R. Saxton; Purcell Room, London, England; Susan Milan flute, Clifford Benson piano.
- 1974 “Fantasy Sonata” - D. Morgan; Purcell Room, London, England; Susan Milan flute, Clifford Benson piano.
- 1975 “Concerto” - J. Feld; The Round, London, England; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
- 1981 “Sonata Per Assisi” - A. Dorati; Resphigi Festival, Assisi, Italy; Susan Milan & Maxence Larrieu flutes.
- 1981 “Six Tunes For The Instruction Of Singing Birds” - Richard Rodney Bennett; Norwich Festival, England; Susan Milan flute.
- 1983 “Memento” - Richard Rodney Bennett; Windsor Festival, England; London Philharmonic Orchestra.
- 1984 “Concerto” - Ole Schmidt; Aarhus Symphony Hall, Denmark; Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Conductor: Ole Schmidt.
- 1987 “Serenade” - R. Walker; Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, England; Instrumental Quintet of London.
- 1989 “Flute Fantasy” - Carl Davis; Chichester Festival, England; Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Conductor: Carl Davis.
- 1991 “Concerto” - R. Simpson; Malvern Festival, England; City of London Sinfonia, Conductor: Richard Hickox.
- 1992 “Stardrift” - E. Roxburgh; Royal College Of Music, London, England; Solo flute.
- 1995 “Quintetto Capriccioso” - J. Feld; Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, England; Instrumental Quintet of London.
- 1997 “Night Owls” - E. Cowie; Benaroya Hall, Seattle, US; Susan Milan flute, Ian Brown piano.
- 1999 “Concerto” - Keith Gates; City Hall, Lake Charles, Louisiana, US; Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra.
- 2001 “Concerto” - Roger Steptoe; St. John’s Smith Square, Barbican, London, England; New London Orchestra, Conductor: Ronald Corp.
- 2003 “Moon Dances” - Cecilia McDowell; Wigmore Hall, London, England; Susan Milan flute, Ian Brown piano.
- 2003 “Moon Dances” - Cecilia McDowell; Ticino Festival, Lugano, Switzerland; Susan Milan flute, Ian Brown piano.
- 2003, “Three Pictures” – Goosens, Prokofiev, McDowall; Wigmore Hall, London, England; Susan Milan & Ian Brown. Conductor: Taktakishvilli.
- 2004 “Sonata” - Brian Lock; Seoul Arts Centre, Seoul, South Korea; Susan Milan flute, Ian Brown piano.
- 2008 “Octagon” - Ian Finney; The Octagon, Green College, Oxford, England; Susan Milan flute.
- 2009 “Two Triptychs” - Jacob Thompson; Purcell Room, London, England; Debussy Ensemble.
Publications
- Susan Milan, Quadruplets Book 1: Scale Books For The Instruction Of Students. Master Classics, 2000
- Susan Milan, Triplets & Sextuplets Book 2: Scale Books For The Instruction Of Students. Master Classics, 2006
- Susan Milan, Flute Notes: A Performers Handbook of Programme Notes for the flute repertoire (148 composers and over 400 works). Researched, written and revised by Susan Milan. Master Classics (1st ed.) 2006 / Master Classics 2010 (2nd ed.)
- Franz Schubert, Three Sonatinas, Opus 137, Edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes, 1993
- Carl Reinecke, The “Undine” Sonata, Opus 167. Researched & edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes, 1991
- John Francis Barnett, The Grand Sonata, Opus 41. Researched & edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes, 1993
- Sergei Rachmaninov, Vocalise, Opus 34, Number 14. Edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes, 2000
- Edward German, Romance and Intermezzo. Researched & edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes, 1991
- Susan Milan, Cadenzas for Mozart Concertos Number 1 and 2, and Andante in C. Composed by Susan Milan, Emerson Edition 1988
- Wilhelm Popp, Sonatine, Opus 388, Number 1. Researched & edited, Hunt Edition, 1995
- Sergei Rachmaninov, Apres Une Reve. Edited by Susan Milan, Boosey & Hawkes