Event Details
Born in Northern Ireland in 1994, Kristan Swain began playing the flute at the age of eight under the tuition of his father. Winning the inaugural All-Ireland Young Flute Player of the Year Competition in 2004, he progressed his studies with Colin Fleming (Principal Flute, Ulster Orchestra), before moving to London to study with Samuel Coles (Principal Flute, Philharmonia Orchestra) at the Royal Academy of Music.
Since graduating in July 2016, Kristan has played with the Philharmonia Orchestra (as Guest Principal Flute), the Nash Ensemble and the London Sinfonietta. He has recorded professionally, including working with Oliver Knussen and the Royal Academy of Music’s Manson Ensemble, on a recording for Linn Records.
He has played for such dignitaries as President Mary McAleese and HM Queen Elizabeth II. In 2012, Kristan was joint first prize-winner of the Catherine Judge Memorial Award, and in 2015 was a finalist in the IV Saverino Gazzelloni International Flute Competition.
Kristan is grateful for the generous support of Dr & Mrs West and the Viola Westminster Bursary Trust.