One of the world’s foremost low flutes specialists, Peter Sheridan (Australia) was in residency at UNO from February 25-March 2, 2016. Made possible through support from the CFAM Cultural Enrichment Fund, Mr. Sheridan worked with UNO flute students over 4 days in rehearsals, clinics and performances on his arsenal of low flutes, which included an alto flute, bass flute, contrabass flute and a subcontrabass flute. Christine Beard, professor of flute at UNO, joined Sheridan in presenting a full day’s worth of clinics to nearly 300 music students at Gretna High School and Middle School on Tuesday, March 1.

During his residency, two premieres took place in Omaha: the first with the UNO Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Karen Fannin, whose concert on March 1 included the North American premiere of “Mud Dance” from Waiting for the Clouds to Part, a double concerto for solo alto/bass flute, solo flute/piccolo and wind ensemble by Australian composer, Houston Dunleavy (Sheridan and Beard, soloists). The second premiere took place during UNO’s Petite Musqiue series recital featuring Peter on Wednesday night, March 2. “Equinox” – a 16-minute concerto for solo alto flute and flute choir – was composed in 2016 by Omaha-based composer James-Michael Sellers specifically for Peter Sheridan and UNO’s Heartland Community Flute Choir.
In addition to showcasing several solo works on his recital, Sheridan recruited UNO flute students to collaborate with him on several duos and trios utilizing low flutes during his well-received concert. Sheridan’s residency also included being interviewed for KVNO 90.7 radio (which can be heard at http://www.kvnonews.com/2016/02/flute-like-youve-never-heard-before/) as well as speaking with the entire UNO music student body on how he came to make his career as a low flutes specialist and of course, demonstrating the instruments.