Lisa Byrnes, Associate Principal Flute with the Utah Symphony and Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah. A Northern California native, she has performed with major ensembles including the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas, and has appeared at festivals such as Tanglewood and the Edinburgh International Festival. She shares what brought her to Utah, what she enjoys about playing and teaching, and how she finds balance outside of music—read more about her experience and advice for young flutists on the blog.
Our spotlight this month is Lisa Byrnes!
What brought you to Utah?
I moved here in January 2000 to play with the Utah Symphony
How does the flute bring you joy?
I find joy in the variety of tone colors that the flute can produce and in turn inspire beautiful music
making.
What musical roles do you have in the community?
I play Associate Principal Flute with the Utah Symphony, and I am an Adjunct Professor at the
University of Utah. I also teach privately
What else keeps you busy?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, I like to walk, and I enjoy my hobby of making
ceramics.
How do you find fulfillment in your musical life?
I find great fulfillment in teaching and in becoming a better player. There is always something new to
learn.
What do you do to maintain a work/life balance? What else are you passionate about? When I have the
time, I find my balance through nature, exercise, meditation, ceramics, family and travel.
Who is your favorite composer?
I love the music of Ravel and Debussy. It is filled with so much color and beauty.
What is something you can’t live without?
Tea time is my time to think and reflect.
What would you say to encourage a young flutist?
Work hard to find out your full potential as a player.
Thank you, Ms. Byrnes! We are so fortunate to have you in our community.