Timothy Hutchins

Timothy Hutchins, Principal Flute of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) since 1978, secured this role weeks before his McGill University M.Mus recital. Hailed as “one of the most hypnotically attractive flute players alive” (Montreal Gazette), he was born in Winchester, UK, to a music-loving family. His father, a British naval officer, and loving, supportive mother nurtured his passion. Voyaging by sea from New South Wales to Nova Scotia, young Tim began flute at six under his father’s guidance, soon performing with local groups. He attended summer music camps in Quebec, Germany, Austria, and Italy, and studied one year at the Guildhall School in London, earning the Silver Medal for top flute diploma marks. He graduated from Dalhousie and McGill Universities on scholarships. Offered principal flute positions with the New York Philharmonic, Boston, and Pittsburgh Symphonies—where he served in 2003–2004—Hutchins remained with the OSM, recording over 70 albums, including the Ibert Flute Concerto under Charles Dutoit and the Rodrigo Concerto with the CBC Vancouver Orchestra under Mario Bernardi. His live solo performances captivate global audiences, praised for “absolute mastery… delicacy, agility, and ample projection” (El Mercurio, Santiago). A warm, respected pedagogue and juror, recently at the 2025 Kobe International Flute Competition, he has taught at McGill and international institutions and leads masterclasses worldwide.