Albert Brouwer - Orchestre symphonique de Montréal

Albert Brouwer was initiated to music playing in a wind ensemble at Amersfoort, Netherlands. Subsequently, he studied with Abbie de Quant at the Utrecht Conservatory, then at McGill University with Timothy Hutchins, now his regular colleague at the OSM. It was under the baton of Charles Dutoit, performing Mahler’s Symphony no. 8, “Of a Thousand” that he joined the ranks of the Orchestra. Other than his position with the OSM. While maintaining his activities as a chamber musician, he also teaches flute at McGill University.

Joined the OSM in: 2015

Previous positions: Principal Flute of the Albany Symphony Orchestra (NY), Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA) and Vermont Symphony Orchestra (VT)

Model of Instrument: Flute by Brannen (Boston)

Hometown: Amersfoort, the Netherlands

First musical love: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 4 (specifically the performance by the Leningrad Philharmonic conducted by Yevgeny Mravinsky).

Favourite composer: Sibelius

Favourite works: Sibelius’ Symphony no. 6 and the Cantatas of J.S. Bach

Interests: Orchestral conducting

If you hadn’t chosen to become a musician, you would be …: A house renovator