New flute star in Vegas

New flute star in Vegas

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norman lebrecht

September 27, 2019

The Las Vegas Philharmonic has promoted Christina Castellanos to principal flute.

Music director Donato Cabrera says:’I am extremely happy and honored to recognize Christina’s many years as an outstanding member and leader within the orchestra by appointing her to the position of principal flute. She’s an inspiring and caring member of the orchestra and her musicianship will help us shine well into the future.’

She replaces Alexander Viazovtsev, who has accepted a principal position in Joensuu, Finland.

The antithesis of Vegas.

Comments

  • Anon says:

    Not to be rude, but is this even a full time orchestra?

    • Mick the Knife says:

      If its not, it should be there are over 2 million people living in Vegas.

    • second string says:

      Does it matter?

      • TuttiFlutie says:

        Um. Yes. There are hundreds, thousands of part time, not fully professional orchestras in the US, with Principal Flutes who are, like this woman, probably working as teachers, bankers, secretaries to be able to survive financially while holding their “position” of Principal Flute. More often than not, these jobs don’t even pay a living wage.

        Why is this woman being singled out for attention over the hundreds, if not thousands of other Principal Flutists in part time orchestras across the US?

        Non US people have this idea that when a city like Las Vegas has an orchestra that it must be a big, full time operation. Not so.

        I have actually heard this orchestra, they are not bad, and they have a good string program in tandem going on at the University of Nevada, and I’m sure this flute player is well qualified by local standards. But this is by no means a major, full time orchestra, and this is not a major flute appointment.

        It’s sweet that she’s being mentioned here, but just reminding you all to keep it in perspective: this is not a major orchestra, it probably isn’t even a full time job, and there are thousands of Principal Flutes across the US just like her working in similar small orchestras who are just as important who are never mentioned here.

        • Matt says:

          The Las Vegas Philharmonic is basically a community orchestra that gets small payments here and there. The playing level is that of a really good youth orchestra. It makes musicians from the neighboring state of Utah feeling like they are part of something, so I guess it serves a purpose.

        • Mike says:

          As someone that has performed with several regional orchestras, including the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and several upper tier “full time” orchestras I can say without hesitation that Tina is very deserving of any recognition she gets. She is an extraordinary musician, and more importantly, an extraordinary human being that is a selfless colleague and friend. She is the kind of musician that will move an orchestra like the Las Vegas Philharmonic to greater places, and instead of spending our time with the “what abouts,” we should be celebrating that a musician of her caliber has joined an organization at such an important stage in its development.

        • JudgeOfGood says:

          Wow … you sound like a very frustrated musician and jealous person. If you took the time to look her bio up, you would realize that she is a very in demand full time musician and accomplished flautist that plays regularly with many orchestras, including full time orchestras. I’m sure blindly downplaying a persons accomplishment makes you feel better about your self in some sad way, but jealousy is not a good look on anyone. Good day and keep practicing … maybe you’ll feel better about yourself and not have to pontificate paragraph upon paragraph of speculation about someone to feel better about your insecurities.

        • Jason says:

          It’s Ok for someone else to get the attention for a moment. You have lost very little from her success.

  • Bruce says:

    Congratulations to her!

  • Nancy says:

    And…as with everything…

    There is always a behind the scenes story.

  • Wen Flatt says:

    Congratulations to Christina on her new position! We love her here in Utah Symphony too!

  • Mozartfan54 says:

    I’ve heard her play a spotlight recital at the smith Center that was amazing! Also I’ve seen her play with the Utah Symphony quite a few times as I frequent their concerts. She is a wonderful player! Congrats!

  • Diana hansen says:

    she is awesome as a person and a flutist! her love of music and dedication to her profession is outstanding

  • Operajane says:

    I am a season ticket holder, Las Vegas Philharmonic has never sounded better. The flutes always sound beautiful, especially the solos!

  • Bill says:

    Congratulations for her winning the Principal position. Wasn’t she the rostered 2nd flute in the LV Phil before winning?

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