Flute Academy, Salem

Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, Alicia DiDonato Paulsen is the assistant principal flute of the Oregon Symphony. Prior to moving to Portland, Alicia had a long and varied freelance career in Boston, where she was a member of the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Opera Boston orchestras. In and around Boston, Alicia was also the principal flute for Boston Musica Viva, Radius Ensemble, the Firebird Ensemble, and frequently appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Boston Pops.

From 1998 to 2001, following her studies at the Hartt School with John Wion, Alicia was a member of the New World Symphony. She was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow during the 1999 and 2000 summer seasons, and appeared as a New Fromm Player at Tanglewood in 2005. In 2003, she obtained her M.M. from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Fenwick Smith. She has participated in the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, and has performed internationally in Costa Rica, Russia, and the Netherlands.

Alicia’s chamber music collaborations include appearances with the Emerson String Quartet and the Borromeo String Quartet. Additionally, she has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, the Santa Fe Symphony, and the New World Symphony. She won first prize at the 2005 Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist Competition, the 2003 James Pappoutsakis Memorial Flute Competition, and the 1999 Frank Bowen Competition. In 2006, Alicia won third prize in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition.

When she’s not performing with the symphony, Alicia can be found gardening, eating chocolate, reading science fiction, yelling karaoke, and running after her two kids. She and her husband Dwane love the Oregon craft brewing scene, and make their home in NE Portland.

What is Flute Academy?

The GPFS sponsored Flute Academy in Salem is an annual event that brings together local students and teachers for a day of performing, workshops, recitals, playing together and a masterclass with a guest artist. The event will be held in-person again this year. Location is Willamette University.

The Flute Academy is aimed specifically at mid-valley middle and high school students, particularly those preparing for the upcoming solo and ensemble competition/adjudication. However, Flute Academy is open to all interested flutists of all ages and levels - you are invited to attend and learn!

The one-day event gives students a chance to perform, receive feedback from a professional flutist, learn a new skill in the workshops, network with peers, enjoy lunch together, and play in Flute Academy Flute Ensemble.