Now under the direction of world-renowned flute player and conductor Veronica Mascaro, the ensemble has grown to more than 35 players since its founding in 1997 with just eight members. Most members are nonprofessional musicians, who are accomplished in wide-ranging professions, including education, business, health care and more.

 

Artistic director Janice Spooner has spearheaded the ensemble since its inception, welcoming and mentoring hundreds of flute players. A performer and teacher, she founded Flutissimo! to give flute players of all skill levels the opportunity to grow in their abilities, play a variety of music  and share their love of music with the community.

 

Flutissimo’s most recent commissioned work, “Cotten’s Country,” was arranged by Christopher Tucker, and performed at 2024 NFA in San Antonio. Recent concerts included a joint collaboration with the Irving Chorale, a performance at the Santa Fe TGIF Concert Series, and at the 26th annual community ecumenical service at the Marty Leonard Chapel in Fort Worth. Other concert venues range each year from concert halls, church sanctuaries, community festivals, libraries and retirement homes.

 

During its almost 30 years, Flutissimo! has performed countless challenging compositions, earning many accolades from composers and audiences. Other commissioned works include Chris Potter’s “Tres Ratitas Ciegas,” a version of “Three Blind Mice,” and works by Scottish composer Alex Abbott. Former conductors include renowned local musicians and directors George Virgili, Mark Chandler, Tom Connely, Marco Jerez and Felix Torres.