Linda Chesis

About Linda

Described by the New York Times as “a marvelous artist, whose sophisticated technical resources and lively, informed musicality vitalize everything she plays”, Linda Chesis is considered to be one of the most exciting and dynamic flutists of her generation. Equally devoted to her roles as a chamber musician, teacher, soloist, curator and festival director, Chesis has forged a career of uncommon breadth and diversity. Ms. Chesis has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in major halls throughout the world. A top prizewinner at the Paris and Barcelona International Competitions and at the National Flute Association Competition, she has received several career awards, including a Solo Recitalist’s Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Chesis has been on the flute and chamber music faculties at Manhattan School of Music since 1986. In 1988 she was appointed Chair of the Woodwind Department, and in 2012 she was the recipient of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Teaching. Linda Chesis is the founder and artistic director of the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival, currently celebrating its twenty-second year of bringing chamber music performances of the highest quality to upstate New York. She has also been a guest artist at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, Salzburg Mozarteum, An Appalachian Summer Festival, and MusicAlp , among others.

In addition to her work at MSM, she is regularly invited to give master classes at conservatories, universities and institutes around the globe. Ms. Chesis’ recordings can be heard on the EMI, Nonesuch, and Music Masters labels, and television and radio broadcasts featuring Chesis’ chamber music performances can frequently be heard on American Public Media’s Performance Today.

I encourage my students to be their own best teachers. I view my role as a facilitator and a resource, encouraging students to set their own goals. I strive for a balance between encouragement to improve and praise for accomplishments.