Christina Smith, Flute

2010: Week 5, July 24 - 31

Principal Flute, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Faculty, Kennesaw State University.

A native of Sonoma County, California, Christina Smith began her flute studies when she was seven. She appeared as soloist with many orchestras in northern California, including the San Francisco Symphony at the age of 15. In 1989, she entered the Curtis Institute of Music to study with Julius Baker and Jeffrey Khaner. She has also studied with Timothy Day and Keith Underwood.

Ms. Smith was appointed Principal Flutist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1991, becoming the youngest principal flutist of a major American Orchestra. She has appeared as soloist several times with the ASO, in concertos of Mozart, Ibert, Rodrigo, and Nielsen. Prior to attending the Curtis Institute, she graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1989, where she won the Academy's highest honor, the Young Artist Medal. In the same year, she was an awardee at the NFAA's National Arts Recognition and Talent Search, and appeared in recital at the United Nations. She has performed at the Blossom, Tanglewood and Marlboro Music Festivals.

Ms. Smith left the Curtis Institute after two years to start her career in Atlanta, and regularly appears in recitals, chamber music and masterclasses throughout the country. Recently, Ms. Smith's solo appearances have included performances with the American Sinfonietta, the Atlanta Symphony and the Columbus Symphony, with which she performed the world premiere of James Oliverio's Flute Concerto. She has also recorded three chamber music works of Charles Knox.