Neil Fisenden - Flutist
Neil Fisenden was born in Perth and began flute studies with his father Owen at the age of nine. In 1974 he joined the West Australian Symphony Orchestra as Second Flute, and in 1978 was appointed Principal Piccolo. He was a founding member of the Perth Woodwind Quintet, performing often in concerts and recordings for the ABC. He also appeared regularly as soloist with the WASO. In 1979 he was appointed to the position of Principal Flute of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and in the same year awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship to study flute in London with Peter Lloyd, Principal Flute of the London Symphony Orchestra. During his four year stay in Adelaide, he frequently performed as soloist with both the Adelaide Symphony and Adelaide Chamber Orchestras. Neil returned to Perth in 1983 as Principal Flute of the West Australian Symphony and continued to appear regularly as a soloist, notably as soloist for the 1983 tour to Singapore and as a Master Series soloist in the 1993 season. As well as his on going commitments with the Orchestra, Neil tutors flute at the University of Western Australia’s School of Music. He is chief flute examiner and woodwind specialist advisor to the Australian Music Examinations Board, and is a member of the advisory selection panel for the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Neil is patron of the West Australian Flute Society and in 1991 was Director of the Eighth Australian Flute Convention. Neil is also keenly involved in chamber music, featuring in performances in the past two years’ Perth International Arts Festivals. He has also conducted flute masterclasses on regular occasions in most Australian capital cities as well as in the U.K In 2004, Neil was elected as a Director of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. Neil is married to flautist and singer Rae-Helen, and has two sons, Simon and Andrew, also active professional musicians.
