The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, continues to affirm its role as one of the world’s most forward-thinking cultural institutions with its inspiring Flute Fridays at MIM concert series.
Following MIM’s recent recognition as Innovator of the Year Honoree at the Global Flute Excellence Awards for its landmark exhibition The Magical Flute, the museum once again demonstrates its commitment to elevating the flute — artistically, historically, and publicly.
This carefully curated series is more than a set of concerts. It is part of a broader mission: to popularize the flute, reveal its extraordinary versatility, and actively engage audiences through live performance, storytelling, and stylistic exploration.
A Season of Flute Highlights at MIM
Each Flute Fridays concert takes place at 2:15 p.m. and is included with museum admission (free for MIM members), making world-class flute performances accessible to a broad and curious audience.
Flute Duets Through the Ages (January 9 — past event)
The series opened with Jeannette Hirasawa Moore and Andrea Redcay Graves of the Sedona Symphony, presenting a historical panorama of flute duets. Works by Telemann, Beethoven, Delibes, Hoover, and more traced the evolution of flute repertoire and showcased the rich dialogue between two flutes across centuries.
Flute Choir Extravaganza!
Friday, February 20 | 2:15 p.m.
The Central Arizona Flute Ensemble (CAFE) fills the hall with the radiant sound of a full flute choir. From show tunes and classic melodies to rock and popular favorites, this concert celebrates the flute family in all its colors, proving that the flute choir is one of the most exciting and inclusive ensemble formats today.
Ancient to Modern — An Exploration for Flute, Alto Flute, and Ocarina
Friday, March 20 | 2:15 p.m.
Jenna Daum leads audiences across centuries and sound worlds, performing music by Ruth Gipps and Francis Poulenc, alongside her own creative arrangement of a well-known theme and variations. The inclusion of alto flute and ocarina expands the sonic palette and highlights the flute’s deep historical roots and modern expressive power.
Legends and Spirits
Friday, April 17 | 2:15 p.m.
Michelle Stolper concludes the series with a poetic and evocative program centered on storytelling. Works by Coleman, Katherine Hoover, and Jules Mouquet explore myth, legend, and atmosphere — echoing the timeless connection between the flute and the human imagination.
Innovation in Action: MIM’s Expanding Flute Mission
MIM’s recognition as Innovator of the Year by the Global Flute Excellence Awards for The Magical Flute exhibition reflects a larger vision — one that goes beyond preservation.
Through exhibitions, concerts, and educational initiatives like Flute Fridays, MIM actively brings the flute to life, connecting historical instruments with contemporary performance and inviting new audiences into the flute’s global story.
In an era when classical instruments must continuously find new ways to speak to modern listeners, MIM sets a powerful example: innovation through accessibility, imagination, and excellence.
