6 Questions with Brandon Patrick George
Where did you grow up?
Dayton, Ohio
What made you realize that music was your path?
I went to an arts magnet high school (Go public schools!) where the teachers entertained my fascination with Mozart and all things flute related. I felt that I could travel back in time with music, and that it allowed my imagination to run wild. I also couldn’t put the flute down, and wanted to play all the time! Since I don’t come from a musical family it was my teachers who really encouraged me to pursue music as a career. They were successful orchestral players, so my family trusted them and believed that I could build a life for myself in music.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My flute teachers were wonderful, and each one certainly helped mold me, but I feel that I’ve been most influenced by artists who play other instruments. I adore the singing of Cecilia Bartoli and Diana Damrau, and the playing of violinst Anne-Sophie Mutter. I think that because the range of Cecilia and Diana’s voices are similar to the flute, as well as Anne-Sophie on violin, that their instruments remain a constant source of inspiration. It goes with out saying that their sheer virtuosity and deep commitment to the repertoire, old and new, is certainly inspiring. I love recordings by the jazz multi-instrumentalist Yusef Lateef (who had a stunning sound on the flute!). The pianist Gabriela Montero is incredible, and I’ve returned to her album “Beyond Bach” time and time again. She has an incredible ability to improvise, taking the music of Bach and improvising in every possible style imaginable from baroque to jazz! I’m still trying to figure out how to do that!
Has there been one particular moment in your musical career that you're most proud of?
Before I began working mostly as a solo flutist and chamber musician, I was frequently called on to play in major orchestras. A few years ago I played a stint with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl with their brilliant music director Gustavo Dudamel. One night, the music of Star Wars was on a program, and Gustavo announced that we would have a special guest conductor for the opening credits music. He stepped off the podium and John Williams, the Star Wars music composer himself, walked on stage and took the baton. My heart felt as if it had fallen to my feet, as John William’s scores defined my childhood, from Home Alone to Harry Potter. I was so honored to play for him, and proud that I remained calm, albeit with a racing heart and sweaty palms.
What made you want to perform on the Room to Breathe series?
The creative programming and artistry of the featured performers is second to none. I am thrilled to be in such great company!
What’s the next thing for you?
My debut album is being released out of Germany by Haenssler Classics on September 18, and will be available internationally on all platforms. It is a recital program that juxtaposes early music with modern works, a fascination of mine. It includes monumental works for solo flute, and works with piano. The album features a very famous platinum flute from 1938 that will be heard for the first time in many years. I look forward to having this out, and touring with the program once it is safe to do so.
With touring on hold at the moment due to Covid-19, I am excited to spend the summer doing a bit of teaching. I am on the flute faculty for the Young Artist Program at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and will spend a week teaching talented young flutists from across the globe virtually.