flutist Chicago

Kim Sopata - Flutist, Flute Instructor, Flute Lessons - Chicago

Beautiful Music, Expert Instruction

Chicago flutist Kim Sopata has been praised for her vibrant tone, clean technique, and outstanding musicality across a broad range of styles. Equally at ease in the traditions of western classical music and traditional Arabic music, she carries her natural musicianship and disciplined approach with her to every musical performance. Recent appearances include the White House, Kennedy Center, NYC's Symphony Space, Chicago's Symphony Center and Cultural Center, and a private reception for HRH Queen Rania of Jordan. She has also performed with the Charlotte Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, the Elgin Symphony, Illinois and South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestras, and the CUBE contemporary music ensemble. Her experience as a soloist includes performances with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and South Carolina Philharmonic.

A dedicated chamber musician, Ms. Sopata is a founding member of the Sapphire Woodwind Quintet, the Avanti Duo with guitarist James Baur, and the Allemande Duo with international award winning violinist David Yonan. Her commitment to performing the works of living composers has led to several premiere performances, including the world-premiere and recording of Exursión a la Montaña, by Mexican composer Jose Elizondo. She has been heard on several radio stations, including WFMT 98.7FM (Chicago's only Classical music station).

Ms. Sopata received her Bachelors of Music Degree with Honors from Northwestern University, where she studied with Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians Walfrid Kujala and Richard Graef. Her other teaches include Jeani Foster, Dr. Pamela Youngblood, and Gavin Tate. She has performed in masterclasses with Paula Robison, Jim Walker, Carol Wincenc, Marco Granados, Jeanne Baxtresser, Amy Porter, and Robert Langevin, among others.

She received her Masters of Arts Degree in Ethnomusicology with an emphasis in Middle-Eastern Music from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. As a performer of the Egyptian nay Ms. Sopata has been a member of the Mosaic Ensemble and the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble since 2003, including performances in two national tours.

Ms. Sopata is also a dedicated private instructor offering lessons on flute, piccolo and recorder. She has served on the faculty of numerous music schools and camps, and is the co-founder of the Flutastic Days of Summer Flute Workshops.

PRESS/PUBLICATIONS

What the World Needs Now... Pioneer Press, June 10th, 2004,

Washington Report on Middle-Eastern Affairs: Mosaic Trio at Georgetown University

The Flute Lesson Handbook, 2001, Ecoutez Publishing

"Flute Studio Policies" - article in September 2000 edition of Flute Talk Magazine

Numerous new music reviews for Flute Talk Magazine

SOUND CLIPS

Hoover, "Winter Spirits"
MP3 (4.39mb)

Sancan, "Sonatine"
MP3 (9.15mb)

Debussy, "The Little Shepherd"
MP3 (2.23mb)

Debussy, "Pour Invoquer Pan"
MP3 (2.15mb)

Poulenc, "Sonata for Flute mov 1"
MP3 (4.30mb)

Poulenc, "Sonata for Flute mov 2"
MP3 (4.35mb)

Poulenc, "Sonata for Flute mov 3"
MP3 (3.45mb)

Elizondo, "Excursion a la Montana"
MP3 (2.30mb)

Thom Mason, "Thoughts"
Windows Media (4.22mb) | MP3 (1.99mb)

Partita, "Sarabande from Partita in A minor"
MP3 (4.28mb)

Faure, "Fantasie"
MP3 (5.49mb)

Mozart, "Queen of the Night Aria"
MP3 (2.82mb)

Chopin, "Minute Waltz"
MP3 (1.46mb)

Telemann, "Canonic Sonata"
MP3 (2.02mb)

Caliendo, "Tango"
MP3 (4.44mb)

Ibert, "Entracte"
MP3 (3.30mb)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

The American Federation of Musicians

Society for Ethnomusicology

The National Flute Association

The Chicago Flute Club (Board Member)