The Los Angeles Philharmonic announces the appointment of Mathieu Dufour to the post of Principal Flute, selected by outgoing Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen prior to his departure. Dufour assumes his duties in mid-September 2009 for the start of the 2009/2010 season. His first concert will be the ¡Bienvenido Gustavo! inaugural celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Hollywood Bowl, a Target® Free Community Concert welcoming Gustavo Dudamel as the LA Phil’s new Music Director. Dufour comes to Los Angeles from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he has served as Principal Flute since 1999.

Los Angeles Philharmonic President Deborah Borda commented, “Few performers today approach the remarkable artistry of Mathieu Dufour. As we embark on an exciting new era with Gustavo Dudamel, we are particularly delighted to welcome him to the Los Angeles Philharmonic family.”

“Working with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the LA Phil during last season’s tour in Asia was an exhilarating experience,” stated Dufour. “I am extremely excited to become a part of this innovative organization, especially as the musicians begin a new journey with Gustavo Dudamel. I anticipate many amazing musical moments with this exceptional orchestra.”

Mathieu Dufour began his flute studies at the age of eight with Madeleine Chassang at the National Regional Conservatory in his hometown of Paris, France. At the age of fourteen, he was awarded the school's gold medal by unanimous vote. He subsequently studied with Maxence Larrieu at the National Conservatory of Music in Lyon, where he was unanimously awarded first prize in 1993. Additional awards include second prize at the Jean-Pierre Rampal International Flute Competition (1990); third prize at the International Flute Competition in Budapest (1991); and second prize at the International Flute Competition in Kobe, Japan (1997).

Before coming to Chicago, he was principal flute solo of the Paris National Opera Orchestra from 1996 to 1999. Prior to his appointment there, he served as principal flute solo of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse for three years.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the exciting new leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

# # #