Areon Flutes, a professional flute chamber music ensemble, provides audiences a fresh new outlook on traditional chamber music. Noted for innovative programming and collaborations, Areon is quickly establishing itself in the USA as a premier chamber music ensemble. In addition to utilizing the traditional "four C flutes" model, Areon Flutes incorporates every member of the flute family in its programming. The group's performances are notable for creatively engaging its audiences with unique staging, theatrics and choreography.
Areon Flutes members Jill Heinke, Kassey LeBow, Tamara Maddaford and Amelia Vitarelli, have received high praise for their remarkable performances. Their New York debut in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall in September 2007 received rave reviews: "These players know what kind of new music pleases audiences and critics alike" and "The group itself was memorable; they are a treat to all the senses" (Anthony Aibel , New York Concert Review). In May 2008, Areon Flutes was awarded the Bronze Medal at the prestigious and internationally recognized Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in Notre Dame, Indiana. This recognition marked the first time in the competition's 35-year history that a flute chamber music ensemble reached this elite position.
Part of Areon's mission is to make flute chamber music an equal voice in the chamber music world by leaving a new, diversified chamber music legacy. To ensure this goal, Areon has established an International Chamber Music Competition with performance and composition divisions and a year-round Chamber Music Institute based in the San Jose metropolitan area. As a non-profit organization, Areon is dedicated to sharing its passion for chamber music through various educational programs including concerts, camps, and free community and school performances.
For the 2010-11 concert season, Areon Flutes is scheduled to premier several new works including Steppin’ Out, a commission by Linda Holland, with celebrated contemporary flute chamber duo ZAWA! Areon will be touring the Midwest in October, and they are also preparing for a full length CD featuring works for the 21st century audience by musicians of the 21st century to be released in 2011. The recording project will include collaboration with contemporary flute pedagogue Robert Dick on his piece Gossip Cats are Dancing. Areon's CD from 2005, Flat Out, can be heard on iTunes. Areon Flutes are proud to be Miyazawa Artists.