Resident Flutist Ben Smolen treats you to a mini recital of old favorites, original arrangements, and his first-ever original compositions. The setting: his beautiful garden courtyard in Long Beach.
Come with questions for Ben, or include them in your RSVP. Some prompts to get you started:
Ben went to Princeton and speaks Russian fluently, having studied at the Moscow Conservatory
His partner is also a world-class flutist (Principal of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra)
He has nerves of steel; it ain't easy sightreading on an exposed solo instrument under John Williams' baton for a Star Wars recording session
He's made a significant personal and financial investment in the flute repertoire, having commissioned several new works out of his own pocket
Participation is free of charge. And feel free to hop in and out as you please. BYOB (duh).