Skip to content

Music's enigmatic role in Timothy Hutchins' addiction journey

OSM veteran shares thoughts with our platform prior to the upcoming Classic Ride event.

Music's enchanting hold on Timothy Hutchins and the perplexing realm of addiction
Music's enchanting hold on Timothy Hutchins and the perplexing realm of addiction

Music's enigmatic role in Timothy Hutchins' addiction journey

Montreal Symphony Orchestra's Long-Standing Principal Flutist, Timothy Hutchins

Timothy Hutchins, a renowned flutist, has been serving as the principal flute of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) since 1977. His distinguished career with the OSM spans over four decades, making him a revered figure within the orchestra.

Hutchins' tenure with the OSM has seen him perform under the baton of eminent conductors such as Charles Dutoit, Kent Nagano, and many others who have shaped the orchestra's history. The OSM's repertoire under these conductors has been broad, covering classical standards as well as contemporary works. While specific pieces linked to Hutchins are not readily available, his presence over four decades would include performances of vast orchestral flute repertoire ranging from Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms symphonies to contemporary 20th and 21st-century compositions.

One memorable experience for Hutchins was playing Strauss's Alpine Symphony with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He also fondly recalls recording Lalo's Symphonie espagnole and Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe with the OSM.

Hutchins joined the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 1978, succeeding his professor, Jeanne Baxtresser. He was made a permanent member of the orchestra after his successful audition. The team of first oboe, first bassoon, first flute, and many in the woodwind sections was new when Hutchins joined the OSM.

Charles Dutoit, a former Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the OSM, prepared the orchestra well for their recordings, as Hutchins recalls. Hutchins' first concert with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra was with Isaac Stern as a soloist.

Hutchins believes that a great conductor's ability to immerse themselves in a role is akin to that of great actors. He also believes that musicians can perceive when an interpretation is major within 10 to 15 seconds.

In recent news, Rafael Payare will conduct the OSM in the parks on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Meanwhile, an imaginary opera by Rameau will be performed by academy students and the Violons du Roy at the Domaine Forget on Sunday at 3 pm.

Unfortunately, there have been tragic incidents such as a woman and a child drowning in a Montreal pool, and the rare public appearance by the First Lady, offering a glimpse into her personal beliefs.

On a positive note, Alain Lefèvre will perform his compositions at the closing of the Orford Musique Festival on Saturday at 4 pm. We also mourn the loss of Isabelle Vaillancourt, the general director of Publications BLD.

Hutchins' dedication and contribution to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra over his entire career are undeniable, and his presence continues to enrich the orchestra's performances.

Timothy Hutchins, during his four-decade tenure with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM), has been greatly involved in a variety of cultural and entertainment events, many of which involve music. His performances with the OSM extend to vast orchestral flute repertoire, encompassing classical standards of Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and contemporary compositions. Additionally, Hutchins has been part of numerous recordings with the OSM, including Lalo's Symphonie espagnole and Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe.

Read also:

    Latest