Three of UNO’s flute students, Lily Gimse, Paige Michaud, and Catherine Boese volunteered to perform with the NFA’s inaugural LGBTQ+ flute choir – representing the only undergraduate students in a group otherwise consisting of mostly professional flutists – organized by Vincenzo Volpe and conducted by George Pope. The groujp’s performance was a highlight for many at the convention, and the NFA announced that the LGBTQ+ Flute Choir will be a regular addition to the NFA  convention schedule going forward.

Additionally, Catherine Boese was invited to play alto flute in a performance of Robert Maggio’s powerful work for flute choir, “Remembering Matthew Shepard.” Commissioned by Volpe, the work is adapted from the music composed for a 2001 production of “The Laramie Project” by the Philadelphia Theatre Company. The play is a portrait of a town forced to confront itself after the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. It is constructed from interviews with Laramie’s citizens—their words and deeds reveal both terrifying darkness and life-affirming compassion.

Though premiered virtually at the 2021 NFA Convention (held online), the work was performed in person by members of the LGBTQ+ Flute Choir on the 2022 NFA’s “Remembrance and Healing” concert conducted by Dr. John Bailey.

For more information, visit the NFA website at nfaonline.org