First Prize | Age Group B: 19 to 25 years
Felix Niël
Score: 95.69
Netherlands/UK | Flute
Teacher: Wissam Boustany
Rudolf Escher | Sonata for Flute and Piano | 18 minutes
Dutch flautist Felix Niël is quickly establishing himself as a leading light among the flute players of his generation. Through his sincere, yet innovative, approach to music, he seeks to connect with and involve audiences in the inspiring world of music. Together with Spanish pianist Carla Fernàndez Boix, exciting programmes and collaborations are in constant development, crossing borders within the world of the arts.
In 2014, Felix graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music, where he subsequently went on to attain the International Artist Diploma as a John Halsall Scholar. A prize winner at the 2015 Dutch International Flute Competition, Felix has performed C.P.E. Bach’s flute concerto in D minor with Manchester Camerata. Furthermore, his orchestral experience includes the Chamber Orchestra of Europe Academy, the Concertgebouw Orchestra Academy, and the Hallé.
In earlier years Felix studied with Wissam Boustany, Trevor Wye in England and Rien de Reede at the Young Talent School of the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. He has also participated in numerous masterclasses with William Bennett, Rachel Brown, Patricia Morris, Michael Cox and Robert Winn.
Besides his solo career, Felix founded the International Flute Summer Course with Trevor Wye in England, which ran for several years. He has also worked closely with flute makers, advising on issues of the sound and scale of the instrument.
