Musos of WASO: Andrew Nicholson

Andrew studied at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Since the age of 22, Andrew has held principal flute positions with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra under David Atherton, the Halle Orchestra under Kent Negano and Sir Mark Elder, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Daniele Gatti and Charles Dutoit, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, under Paul Daniel and Asher Fisch.

He has regularly appeared as guest principal flautist with the LSO, the LPO, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, the Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham, Malaysia Philharmonic, China Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, London Chamber, Guangzhou Symphony, Auckland Symphony, Athens Camerata, Royal Scottish National, Scottish Chamber, English Chamber, Hebrides Ensemble, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Andrew teaches at WAAPA and UWA, and has given masterclasses in London (Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Royal Academy and Royal Colleges of Music), Manchester (RNCM, Chetham’s), Belgium, Poland, New York, Melbourne’s Australian National Academy of Music, Hong Kong, Brisbane and Sydney. Andrew has coached the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and the Australian Youth Orchestra.

Andrew is a Haynes Artist and plays on a solid 14K gold flute, with 14K gold keys.

Andrew Nicholson and pianist Leigh Harrold recently released the CD recording Musical Liaisons (flutes and flutists.com). The recital features charming miniatures such as Camille Sant-Saens’ Romance, Cecile Chaminade’s Concertino and Gabriel Faure’s Morceau de Concours, as well as works by Aaron Copland, Phillipe Gaubert, Charles Griffes and Eugene Bozza. The playing throughout is beyond reproach, by turns delicate, impassioned and imbued with a perfume of insouciant elegance. Of especial note is Nicholson’s flexible cantabile phrasing and tonal shading, which makes this recording not just one for flute aficionados but for all lovers of fine music.

Watch the West Australian interview with Andrew Nicholson here.