Lorna McGhee Interview Part I

In this first section of our two-part interview, Lorna discusses her decision to audition for the BSO principal flute position; the audition process and her manner of preparation; how British and American orchestral auditions differ; her influential flute mentors David Nicholson and William Bennett; and her approach to teaching. I first heard her perform at a Sunday afternoon recital sponsored by the New York Flute Club at Yamaha Artist Services in New York around a decade ago. She was then the principal flute of the Pittsburgh Symphony and I was totally taken by her playing. When it was announced in 2024 that she had won the audition for principal flute in the BSO, I was both delighted and astonished. I was not surprised that someone of Lorna’s talent and musical sensitivity would assume that role, but rather that she would endeavor to put herself through the grueling audition process as an accomplished and experienced professional who already had a gig with a major U.S. orchestra. Her journey should prove quite inspiring to all musicians. *Opening Track: Tomoso Antonio Vitali, Chaconne *Closing Track: Sigfrid Karg-Elert, Caprice #30