Saskatoon-born flutist, Allison Miller, was thrilled to join the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in 2019. Having received tenure in 2020, Allison now holds the SSO Randi Nelson Principal Flute Chair. Allison has been highly featured during her short time with the orchestra, regularly presenting concerti and solo flute works with the ensemble. These works include Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti numbers 2 and 5, Vivaldi’s Concerto in F Major, Devienne’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, and Sommers’ Picasso Suite. Allison was delighted to appear as guest soloist for the 2022 world premiere of Up to Her Waist in Lupins by renowned composer, Christos Hatzis. Allison has appeared numerous times as both a flutist and piccoloist across Canada, including consistent appearances as guest Principal Flute with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra since 2017. Allison is also active throughout her home province of Saskatchewan, having joined the Regina Symphony Orchestra as a guest musician.
Allison completed a Diploma in Music at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, studying with Richard Volet. She went on to complete both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music, specializing in Flute Performance, at the University of Ottawa, studying with Camille Churchfield. She is a three-time NYO Canada alum, participating in international tours to Portugal, Germany, and Scotland, as well as the Canadian Edges of Canada coast-to-coast tour in 2017. Allison also spent three summers studying with William Bennet (WIBB) and Lorna McGhee at the PIFR international festival, off the coast of Vancouver Island, and attended both the Domaine Forget International Music Academy and the Orford Music Academy.
For the 2023-2024 season, Allison was granted a one-year sabbatical from her orchestral position to continue her musical development in New York City. Allison spent the year fervently exploring her artistic path, guided by international soloist and pedagogue, Linda Chesis. Allison coordinated a 40-week partnership with Professor Chesis, which included private tuition, masterclasses, lectures, concerts, and guest teaching / studio assisting at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to this course of individual study, Allison also completed an Artist Diploma from the OAcademy Orchestral Institute, further expanding her training, network, and portfolio. Throughout this Diploma, Allison studied privately with Gareth Davies, Principal Flute of the London Symphony Orchestra, while also attending studio classes and workshops. As an extension of this program, Allison was selected from among the OAcademy participants to participate in the Orchestra of the Americas Orchestral Festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This residency comprised numerous highlights, including the opportunities to play as Principal Flute under the baton of Carlos Miguel Prieto and to experience a world premiere collaboration between Yo-yo Ma and Kayhan Kalhor. This year of professional development was made possible by generous funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association. Allison believes strongly that one’s musical learning is never complete and strives to continue growing, regardless of level achieved or experience acquired.
Allison has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including The Payne-Lyon Prize for Excellence in Flute from NYO Canada and the top flutist award at the National Music Festival. She was also a finalist of the NACO Bursary competition and a Rising Star performer with Ottawa’s Chamberfest.
Allison has been heard on various media platforms including CBC and BBC Radio broadcasts as Principal Flute of NYO Canada. Allison can be seen in NYO Canada’s documentary, That Higher Level, produced by Johnny Spence Bolton, documenting the Edges of Canada tour in 2017. In 2021, Allison gave an interview for Loud and Clear, a podcast amplifying the voices of women in classical music.
In addition to her busy performance schedule, Allison teaches flute both privately and as the Sessional Lecturer in Flute at the University of Saskatchewan. Allison has adjudicated music festivals in both her home province and across Canada. Allison has also served as a Woodwind Sectional Instructor for the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and frequently presents guest masterclasses for the Saskatchewan Band Association and the Saskatoon Concert Band. In her teaching, Allison encourages both physical and mental health, a sense of community rather than competition, and a focused and efficient method of practice. Allison has been consistently recognized for her passion and dedication to teaching, twice receiving the RCM Gold Medal Award as a distinguished flute teacher. Allison’s private studio continues to accept highly motivated students of all ages.
