Home / Naples Philharmonic /Musicians /Meet the Musicians /Suzanne Kirton
   Back

Suzanne Kirton, Principal Flute

Suzanne Kirton, Principal Flute
The Martin Foundation, Inc. Chair

Suzanne Kirton began studying piano as a child but later found the flute’s sound so captivating that she decided to make music her profession. She received her Bachelor of Music from Florida State University, her Master of Music from Boston Conservatory and a Professional Studies Diploma from The Juilliard School. Her teachers include Sam Baron, Leone Buyse and Julius Baker, and she has taken master classes with Geoffrey Gilbert and James Galway. Suzanne has been principal flutist with the Naples Philharmonic since 1993 and has appeared as soloist several times. Besides her private teaching studio, Suzanne has been adjunct professor of flute at Florida International University and currently at Florida Gulf Coast University.


 

The facts:

I was born in Miami, Florida, and began studying music at Juilliard and then went on to study at University of Miami, Florida State University, Boston Conservatory and, finally, Juilliard again. I began to play flute with the Naples Philharmonic in 1993.

What has been your most memorable moment with the orchestra?

Probably most memorable was the recent performance of Daphnis and Chloe, which contains a beautiful flute solo moment.

What inspired you to become a musician?

I found that music moved me personally like no other art form, and this made me realize that it was second nature to me.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I most enjoy playing for people who really feel inspired by hearing the music that I have the opportunity to play for them.

What’s challenging about playing your instrument?

The flute is very demanding physically as it takes as much air to play as the tuba. Because it is so high, it is often heard above the orchestra and can be hard to hide within the texture. Sometimes modern and not-so-modern composers like to give the flute extremely fast technical passages that are better suited to the violins or clarinets!

What are your favorite compositions?

I love all Beethoven symphonies as well as most of Ravel and Debussy’s compositions. There are too many great works to list.

What have you been listening to recently?

I have been listening to opera arias… Maria Callas singing Una Voce poco Fa.

Are there other musicians in your immediate family?

Yes, but they have all gone on to the great orchestras beyond.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to surround myself in nature of any kind. I am particularly fond of all animals and enjoy listening to the many bird calls here and at my mountain cabin. I love to hike in the Blue Ridge mountain ranges.

Join

Enrich your experience of the arts by joining Friends of Artis—Naples and/or Leadership Circle. You’ll enjoy private previews of new exhibitions, invitations to exclusive social events, discounts and more.

More Info

Give

Artis—Naples is Southwest Florida’s leading cultural resource, thanks to the generous support of loyal donors like you. Help us continue to provide art and educational opportunities for all ages.

More Info

Community

Whether you’re enjoying our cultural campus during our free Community Days, or making new friends in a Lifelong Learning class, or attending an off-campus music performance, we hope to see you soon.

More Info