Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

John Wummer was an American classical flutist who was born on June 4, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of a violinist and a pianist, and he began playing the flute at the age of 12. Wummer's early musical education was at the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts, where he studied with Albert Tipton, the principal flutist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from high school, Wummer attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he studied with William Kincaid, the principal flutist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also studied with Marcel Moyse, a renowned French flutist, in Switzerland. Wummer's career as a professional musician began in 1942 when he joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as its principal flutist. He remained with the orchestra for two years before joining the United States Army during World War II. While in the army, Wummer played in the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra, which was made up of musicians who had been drafted into the military. After the war, Wummer returned to the United States and joined the New York City Ballet Orchestra as its principal flutist. He remained with the orchestra for 25 years, during which time he also performed as a soloist with many other orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Wummer was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to perform difficult pieces with ease. He was also known for his dedication to new music and his willingness to work with contemporary composers. He premiered many new works for the flute, including pieces by Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, and Lukas Foss. In addition to his work as a performer, Wummer was also a respected teacher. He taught at the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as professional musicians. Wummer's career was marked by many highlights, including his performance of the flute solo in Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" with the New York Philharmonic in 1961. He also performed as a soloist at the White House for President John F. Kennedy in 1962. Wummer received many awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Flute Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. He was also inducted into the National Flute Association's Hall of Fame in 1992. Wummer continued to perform and teach until his death on December 17, 2002, at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest flutists of his generation, and his contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated today.

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