Mark Teplitsky, Assistant Principal Flute
Mark Teplitsky previously served for two years as acting second flute with the Houston Symphony after performing for six years as principal flute with the San Antonio Symphony. A graduate of Rice University in 2016 and the Colburn School of Music in 2014, Mark has performed with orchestras across the country including the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, South Dakota Symphony and the Sarasota Opera.
Also passionate about chamber music, Mark has spent the past five seasons as artistic director of the Olmos Ensemble, a San Antonio-based chamber music series, bringing high-level artists such as Jeffrey Kahane, Jeannette Sorrell, Jon Kimura Parker, Jon Nakamatsu and Vadim Gluzman to the Alamo City audiences. As a soloist, Mark has performed a handful of concertos, including those by Mozart, Reinecke, Bach, Vivaldi, Doppler, Boulez, Ibert and Chaminade. In the summers, Mark has appeared as a guest musician for organizations such as Cactus Pear Music Festival, Central City Opera, La Jolla Music Society and Olmos Ensemble.
Mark can be heard playing on five albums: Houston Symphony’s Tchaikovsky Symphony 4, Fort Worth Symphony’s Symphonic Canvas, Sasha Cooke’s If You Love for Beauty, Olmos Ensemble’s Made in France and the Music Academy of the West’s 2015 Festival Highlights. Married to a flutist, Mark and his wife, Liz, have arranged a popular collection of flute duets that have sold across 40 countries. A Haynes artist, Mark plays on a solid 14-karat gold Haynes flute with a 19.5-karat gold headjoint.
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The facts:
I am from San Diego, California. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Colburn Conservatory of Music, having studied with Jim Walker, and my master’s degree from Rice University with Leone Buyse.
What are you most excited for as you begin your tenure with Artis—Naples?
I am really excited to make music with my new colleagues, the fantastic musicians of the Naples Philharmonic, in such a beautiful city and hall.
What is one fun fact about you?
I love water sports — surfing more than anything else. My dog, Rascal, also knows how to surf.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Back when I was in high school, my favorite day of the week was Saturday, the day when the San Diego Youth Symphony met to rehearse. It was really easy to bond with the other kids, and everyone was happy to be there.
What’s challenging about playing your instrument?
Fun fact: The flute uses the most air of any other wind or brass instrument, including the super large tuba. Ironically, playing softly takes even more air.
What are your favorite compositions?
Anything written by Bach, Prokofiev, Janáček, Philip Glass and John Williams. Among my favorite pieces are Janáček’s Sinfonietta and Glass’ album Glassworks.
What have you been listening to recently?
My wife and I have been on the road all summer. Minimalist music suits these long drives perfectly. Also, Amy Winehouse, Dave Brubeck, Bill Evans and Joe Hisaishi’s complete Studio Ghibli collection.
Are there other musicians in your immediate family?
I am the only musician in my family, but my sister took jazz violin lessons for years before switching to sports.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like being active outdoors. Surfing and rollerblading are two of my favorites in addition to playing soccer with my two dogs, Rudy and Rascal. I was cursed with a sweet tooth, so I’m looking forward to trying all the specialty dessert stores in Naples.