In an ironic twist, we’re just now sharing a chat we had at the beginning of the summer, which begins with Nicole reveling in her time off from school. Hanging out at the pool, spending time with non-musician friends, and reflecting on how our personal lives intersect and inform our artistic lives. Students, stay tuned for some sage advice (we hope).

Meet composer Viet Cuong, FNMC’s current commissioning partner! Today Viet shares the inspiration for his now-famous piece for flute and piano, Lacquer and Grit as well as a little preview of his artistic process for his upcoming work for flute and percussion. (Shameless plug: there’s still time to join the commission!). He also reflects upon the charm of working with a middle school band and shares the secret to winning his composer’s heart.

https://vietcuongmusic.com/about/

Michael Gordon, Timber

Sibelius Symphony No. 1, movement 1

Nils Fraum, Says

https://www.flutenewmusicconsortium.com/viet-cuong-commission.html

The Starling Experience with Lisa Bost: Today, Elizabeth and Nicole catch up with their friend Lisa Bost to discuss her work as a flutist and composer. Elizabeth commissioned the gorgeous flute quartet, Starling, back in 2021 for her album, and the three chat about the piece’s inception and listen to some snippets from the official recording. Lisa also shares fascinating perspectives on her fluid experiences moving between the flute and composer communities, describes her creative process, and has inspiring advice for the composition-curious.

https://www.lisabost.com/

Starling: https://www.lisabost.com/store/starling-for-flute-quartet

Starling murmurations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4f_1_r80RY

Diandya: https://www.lisabost.com/store/diandya-for-solo-flute

Christian Glascock is back (again!) to discuss his award-winning piece, Echoes of the Deep for flute and electronics. Whale lovers, you’re in for a real treat (and good company).

Christian Glascock: https://www.christianglascock.com/

Echoes of the Deep: https://www.christianglascock.com/product-page/echoes-of-the-deep-for-alto-flute-and-fixed-media-electronics

Elizabeth and Nicole welcome back multi-year Composition Competition winner, composer and flutist Christian Glascock. Christian catches us up on his latest venture: grad school at BGSU! He talks about the value of taking a “gap year”, and then the gang listens to and discusses his composition, Ascension for flute quartet.

Christian Glascock: https://www.christianglascock.com/

Marilyn Shrude: https://www.marilynshrude.com/

Ascension: https://www.christianglascock.com/product-page/ascension-for-flute-quartet

Herman Beeftink: https://hermanbeeftink.com/

In honor of FNMC's current commissioning project, we're delighted to revisit this interview with Kevin Day from season 2!

Flutists can still join the Day Commission through April 15 RIGHT HERE!

Lebanese composer Sami Seif fills us in on his 2025 solo competition winner, “Miniatures from Phoenicia”, originally premiered by the amazing Mary Kay Fink, and nerds out with Elizabeth and Nicole about how extra cool flutists are (admittedly, this is Nicole’s paraphrase). Sami also shares some fascinating tidbits about Lebanese music and inspires us with his delightfully positive pedagogical philosophy. Nicole and Sami discuss the pleasure of traveling for work. Finally there’s some sage advice here for collaborating happily with your favorite composers.

https://www.samiseif.com/

Seif, Miniatures from Phoenecia

Elizabeth Younan, Fantasia II for Solo Flute

Saad Haddad, Tasalsul I for Solo Flute

Nadim Taraby, BAYĀTI, HAYĀTI for Violin (2), Viola, Cello, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, and oboe

Elizabeth and Nicole talk high-brow music in humble places, curating thought-provoking recital experiences, and shirking traditional “responsibilities” attached to the repertoire canon. What makes a concert interesting? What are the performer’s responsibilities to the audience? And how does this translate into pedagogy? Deep thoughts to kick off 2026 with Music Crush (and listen to the end for an update on Lake Bacon)!