BFS Birmingham Flute Day with Marie-Christine Zupancic

Supported by Sandy Hay

Sunday 25 October 2026, 10am - 4pm
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR

Join us for an informative and fun flute day with Marie-Christine Zupancic!

“Support"- a topic that can often feel confusing. Marie will focus on how to find and use your support, and how focusing on support not only enhances your sound and fixes intonation problems but also helps with technique and performance anxiety.

The day will include:

  • A massed warm-up to start the day,

  • Masterclasses with Marie-Christine Zupancic - limited numbers, sign up and register your interest early!

  • A special workshop on support, breathing, and general technique,

  • Flute choir,

  • And much more!

We are delighted to be joined by All Flutes Plus

Suitable for players aged 16 and over, of Grade 6 standard and above.

Price: £40 for BFS members, £50 for non-members (booking form below)

 

About Marie-Christine Zupancic

Marie-Christine Zupancic is Section Leader Flute of the CBSO with whom she frequently appears as a soloist. Born in Germany, Marie-Christine studied at the Conservatoire in Cologne and won numerous prizes in international flute competitions. After graduation she attained a place at the distinguished Karajan Academy and subsequently played with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for two years. Highlights included a tour of the US under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. Chamber music has always played an important part in Marie-Christine’s life.

In June 2014 she was invited to play at Lars Vogt’s festival “ Spannungen" in Heimbach, Germany. The live recording of Mahler 4 in Erwin Stein’s chamber music version won the Mahler Record Prize 2015. Other recordings include Weinberg's 1st flute concerto for Deutsche Grammophon under the baton of Mirga Gražynitė-Tyla which was released in 2022.

Marie-Christine is very dedicated to promoting new music. She was principal flautist of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group for 15 years and premiered many pieces with the ensemble. Oliver Knussen’s “O Hototogisu- fragment of a japonism” for soprano, flute and large ensemble which was written for her and the soprano Claire Booth was premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival 2017 under the baton of the composer.

On top of a busy concert schedule Marie-Christine teaches at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and gives masterclasses in the UK and internationally. She plays a 14k Brannen-Cooper rose gold flute with a Brannen/Lafin headjoint that was handmade for her in Boston, MA in 2013.



About Sandy Hay

Sandy is a respected flute teacher, conductor and music educator based in Birmingham. Originally from Ayrshire on Scotland's west coast, he studied flute with Sheena Gordon at University in Glasgow before undertaking postgraduate studies with Kevin Gowland at Birmingham Conservatoire. Since settling in Birmingham, Sandy has held senior educational roles, including serving as Head of Woodwind for Birmingham Music Service and teaching flute in the Junior Department of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He has been Musical Director of the Birmingham Flute Choir since 2002. Sandy is a trustee of the British Flute Society, he is passionate about bringing flute players together in events across the country. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you need any more information, please contact us at events@bfs.org.uk.

More about the BFS Flute Day Series 2025-26

BFS Flute Days give you the chance to connect with like-minded people, enjoy listening to great flute players, and make music together. Each day will focus on ensemble and flute choir playing, technique and a masterclass, as well as a short concert to celebrate what we have achieved across the day, and will feature a guest artist with strong links to your particular area.

Other events in the series include: