Stephen Schultz has been with Philharmonia since its founding. He fell in love with the flute in the 4th grade because of its gorgeous sound. Schultz’s father loved Classical music and started taking him to concerts when he was just five years old. He loved hearing the sounds of an orchestra.
Schultz was drawn to historically informed performance when he was 18, after hearing a recording of Frans Bruggen playing Handel Sonatas, drawing him to the sound of the wooden flute. He was always more drawn to Baroque repertoire on the flute and hated using vibrato on the modern flute.
One of Schultz’s favorite memories with Philharmonia is playing the “Sweet Bird” aria from Handel’s L’Allegro, i Penseroso ed il Moderato in productions with the Mark Morris Dance Group.
Here are a few questions we asked Stephen:
What is your favorite work of Baroque music to perform and why?
Anything by Bach: B Minor Mass, St. John and St. Matthew Passions, Christmas Oratorio. The music is phenomenal; great melodic lines, gorgeous harmonies, and exquisite counterpoint.
When did you acquire your current instrument and what are some of its unique characteristics?
I play a Martin Wenner copy of an original flute by Carlo Palanca, c. 1745. The flute was made in 2012 out of grenadilla wood. It has a lovely, rich sound, a great low register and is great for both orchestral and chamber music.
What would you tell a first-time audience member to look for / listen for at a Philharmonia concert?
Just enjoy the sounds of the different instruments. Each woodwind and brass instrument has their own rich timbre and hearing the strings play on gut strings and with little vibrato is a revelation.
Is there anything you’d like to share about yourself?
I love reading the classics: Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Stoker, Dickens. Also have recently gotten an e-bike and try to ride everyday around Alameda, where I live for most of the year. I am starting my 22nd year teaching music history and directing the Baroque ensemble at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and love turning my students on to great music.
Make sure to read about our other musicians at philharmonia.org/about/meet-the-musicians
