Gwen Klassen
Described as “technically brilliant and always musical”, GWEN KLASSEN is the Assistant Principal Flute and Principal Piccolo of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra; the position she has held since 1995.
Ms. Klassen was born and raised in Winnipeg, where she studied flute from the age of nine. She continued her musical training at the University of Manitoba, graduating on the Dean’s List, with a Bachelors of Music in flute performance, winning many competitions, awards and scholarships along the way. Ms. Klassen went on to study at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois under renowned pedagogue Walfrid Kujala. At age 22, Ms. Klassen received her Masters of Music from Northwestern University with the prestigious award for Performance Excellence. She has participated in many summer festivals taking her from Washington DC with the National Orchestral Institute (US) to Ontario with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Between graduating and her position with the CPO, Gwen played with the Winnipeg Symphony and toured with the Phantom of the Opera production to Hawaii and Alaska.
Ms. Klassen has recorded for CBC on many occasions. She has performed as soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Red Deer Symphony Orchestra six times within the last seven years, generating rave reviews from conductors, musicians and audiences alike. The past few seasons have seen Gwen perform recitals for the Celebrity Series at the University of Calgary and the Instrumental Society of Calgary as well as finding time to organize and perform recitals for the benefit of the Cochrane Humane Society “PetsDOMatter” campaign, a cause near and dear to her heart. She performs regularly with chamber groups Rosa Selvatica, Land’s End and Kensington Sinfonia.
Ms. Klassen is a dedicated teacher. After taking a few years respite from teaching to raise her children, she is now Instructor of Flute at the University of Calgary. Her students have won orchestral positions as well as National competitions. The positive nature of her teaching combined with her demanding work ethic produces excellent flute players and musicians. She has been asked to give Masterclasses throughout Western Canada and has adjudicated for CMC competition and the Syrinx Flute Festival.
Personal Statement
By my 30's I had achieved the career goals I had set for myself earlier in life. i.e., an orchestral job and teaching at a University. I enjoyed my work but that little voice inside said to keep exploring. So I began to seek a deeper understanding of relationship to self, colleagues, the audience and students. To explore how I could perform and teach in “the zone” more often. I created PIFR in order to provide other fluters with the resources that have inspired me; the faculty and Pender Island.
"Lorna McGhee has had a tremendous influence on my playing and teaching of the flute. The combination of personal integrity, generosity and compassion with true artistry is powerful and I am more of a flutist, musician and artist for hearing her perform and teach.
"One of the invaluable resources available to me over the last four years is Heather Campbell, owner and operator of Varsity Natural Health Centre. I have attended a wide variety of classes given by Heather; from exploring the physical through Pilates for “members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra” to attending her highly innovative workshops, which focus on the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. I am truly inspired by Heather, who lives what she teaches.
Then there is Wibb! I have listened to his recordings since I began my flute studies. That sound! What an honour and privilege to hear him live every day. You cannot leave PIFR without having understood Moyse teachings about the flute and Wibb’s teachings about phrasing and sound.
"I am so honoured and deeply grateful that these people want to be involved in the retreat."
Gwen Klassen
Founder and Director, Pender Island Flute Retreat