WFIU's Artist of the Month for February is flutist Thomas Robertello, professor of flute performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Thomas Robertello is a leader in the effort to expand the flute's solo literature, as well as the role of the flute in new music. He has commissioned and championed the works of several young composers, including Martin Kennedy, David Dzubay, Mischa Zupko, and Matthew Van Brink.
A former member of the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., Robertello has performed as guest principal flutist with the Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Houston Grand Opera.
He has also made solo appearances at Pacific Music Festival, Nara Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Kirishima Internal Music Festival (as the festival's first flute soloist, in 2003), the Londrina Music Festival in Brazil (where he was the featured soloist), the Brevard Music Center, and numerous other venues.
With the San Francisco Symphony, Robertello was guest soloist in the release of Jerod Tate's Iholba for solo flute, chorus, and orchestra. His solo recordings include the CD Gypsy Wheel, which includes music by Griffes, Bizet/Borne, and Taffanel; three new commissions with pianist Winston Choi; Thomas Robertello: Flute Recital Live Japan Tour; and Souvenir, a CD of works by Fauré and IU alumnus Martin Kennedy, which features the composer at the piano.
Robertello has served on the faculties of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Carnegie Mellon University. He has given masterclasses at the Shanghai Conservatory in China, and has performed chamber music concerts with members of the Vienna Philharmonic and Empire Brass.
WFIU will feature music performed by Thomas Robertello throughout the month of February.