Full Logo Gold

Pioneer of the flute.

Pioneer for women in the music world.

Susan Milan

Pioneer of the flute.
Pioneer for women in the music world.

Performer

Internationally renowned soloist. Orchestral principal. Chamber musician. Recording artist.

Internationally renowned soloist. Orchestral principal. Chamber musician. Recording artist.

Susan Milan is an internationally renowned flautist, regularly performing and conducting masterclasses around the world.

With a distinctive voice in the flute community, Milan is a leading exponent of the modern flute, not only for her historic achievement as the first female principal flautist in a major orchestra but also for her exceptional artistry and influence.

A frequent presence on BBC Radio, she has recorded extensively for prestigious labels including Chandos, Hyperion, Upbeat, Da Capo, Omega, Denon, Cala, Metier, and Divine Art.

Ensembles

Teacher

Professor of Flute at Royal College of Music & Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London.
Director of the British Isles Music Festival.

Professor of Flute at Royal College of Music & Trinity Laban Conservatoire, London. Director of the British Isles Music Festival.

Susan Milan has had a remarkable career as a teacher, profoundly influencing the next generation of flautists. A passionate educator, she is currently a professor at Royal College of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music, London, as well being a former professor at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. 
Through her teaching, Susan has inspired and mentored young musicians, helping them develop not only their technical skills but also their musicality and artistry.

In 2008 she founded the British Isles Music Festival, a prestigious residential masterclass and chamber music course, designed to bring together talented conservatoire students and young professionals from across the globe.

Recordings of Susan Milan

  • Began Flute aged 9

    Firstly with the clarinettist George McDonald, then later with John Francis aged 11.

  • Aged 11: began studying at Royal College of Music, Junior Department

    with Graham Mayger, pupil of John Francis

  • 12 years old: Susan Joins London Schools Symphony Orchestra

    Conducted by Dr. Lesley Russell, becoming first flute in the first orchestra by the time she was about 15.

  • Quantz Flute Concerto

    Performing in Bonn, Frankfurt and the Royal Albert Hall, London.

  • 1965: Marcel Moyse Masterclass, Boswil

  • 1968: Bournemouth Sinfonietta

    Susan's first job, straight after graduating at Guildhall Scholl of Music and Drama

  • 1974: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

    in 1974, Susan Milan won the position of principle flute in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, being the first woman principle of any orchestra in England.

  • 1975: Jindrich Feld concert, RPO

    with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Charles Dutoit.

  • 1982 Left RPO

    making the decision to concentrate on her solo and chamber music career, continuing to teach at Royal college of Music.

  • 1980: first son born, James

  • 1982: second son born, Christopher

  • 1984: Professor at Royal College of Music

  • 1995: Jury Kuhlau competition

    In 1995, Susan became the first woman member to be invited to the jury of the international Kuhlau competition.

  • 2007: Founded BIMF

    Originally the Charterhouse Music festival, later changing to the British Isles Music Festival in 2012. BIMF offers opportunities for musicians from around the world the world to meet and play chamber music.

  • 2019: Lifetime achievement award NFA

    The highest award from the National Flute Association of America

Timeline