Kent Flute Day ‘A Day at the Opera' with Katherine Baker

In Partnership with the Mick Jagger Centre

Supported by Sarah Desbruslais and Janna Hüneke

Saturday 3 October 2026, 10am - 4pm
Dartford Grammar School for Boys, Mick Jagger Centre, West Hill, Dartford DA1 2HW

Join us in Kent for a fun-filled day packed full of masterclasses, workshops, flute choir, and much more!

Led by Katherine Baker, Principal Flute of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and one of the UK’s leading flautists. A passionate and inspiring teacher as well as performer, Katherine brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of orchestral and solo playing. This instalment in our regional Flute Days series promises to be a memorable and rewarding event. She’ll be joined by the wonderful Sarah Desbruslais and Janna Hüneke.

The day will be themed around opera & ballet, and will include:

  • Warm-up session, 

  • Technique workshops, 

  • Ensemble playing, 

  • Masterclasses* and a workshop by the fantastic Katherine Baker, 

Plus the opportunity to:

  • Browse the Just Flutes stand offering the chance to try out flutes and purchase music, 

  • Take a 1-1 lesson* with a flute specialist,

  • Perform in a short celebratory concert at the end of the day. 

*Masterclass spaces and lesson opportunities are limited, so do apply early!

Private lessons available at an additional cost.

Suitable for players aged 16 and over, of Grade 5 standard and above.

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

About Katherine Baker

Katherine Baker was given the job of Principal Flute with the BBC National Orchestra Wales within two years of graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 1998. Four years later she moved to the same role with the Hallé Orchestra and in her 14 years in Manchester, Katherine cemented her position as one of the leading flautists in the country. Among many memorable performances in her time there, definite highlights include the fifth Brandenburg Concerto with Angela Hewitt and Paul Barritt, Mozart's Flute and Harp concerto with harpist, Marie Leenhardt and acclaimed first flute roles in Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe and Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.
Katherine has also appeared as principal with many of the country’s leading orchestras, including the LSO, Philharmonia, LPO and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Earlier this year, she performed Mozart’s Flute and Harp concerto with Lucy Wakeford and the Northern Chamber Orchestra.

Last year Katherine was fortunate enough to secure the role of Principal Flute with the Orchestra of The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and in September 2018 she moved from Derbyshire to Kent with her husband, four children, two cats and three grandparents.

After relocating down south Katherine sadly had to give up her professorship at the Royal Northern College of Music but is passionate about passing on the benefit of her experience and love of flute playing and enjoys giving classes or teaching privately whenever possible. 

Katherine was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music in 2009. 


About Sarah Desbruslais

Sarah Desbruslais studied with Karen Jones, Anna Noakes and Alan Baker and obtained a Distinction in her Performance Diploma in 2004 and a Masters degree in flute performance and FTCL at Trinity College in 2008.

Sarah is in high demand as a soloist and chamber musician and has performed extensively at renowned concert venues throughout the UK and Europe. Performing engagements have led to innovative collaborations with a variety of ensembles and artists. Sarah has a keen interest in new music and has premiered and recorded several new works; Geoffrey Hanson’s Flute Concerto, Rob Keeley’s Flute Concerto, Cyril Schurch’s Flute and Piano Sonata, several works by Phillip Sawyers, Jeremy Gill Journey, as well as the Blood of the Bear animation by Ed Scolding.

Sarah is part of an exciting flute and piano duo formed in 2015 called Jasmine. Future performances of the Jasmine Duo include projected tours to both China and Switzerland to premier new commissions from incredible writers, in addition to more established works.

Sarah also enjoys performing in theatre productions which have included The Producers, Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Storey, Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, The Lion King and the premier of the The Ripper in the west end written by Paul Herbert.

As an educator Sarah is incredibly passionate about passing on her love of music and enjoys tutoring at flute summer schools, masterclasses and workshops throughout the year.

About Janna Hüneke

Janna Hüneke was born in Germany and moved to England at the age of 6 with her family. She attended The City University where she gained her Bachelor of Science in Music whilst studying the flute with Averil Williams at the Guildhall School.

In addition to school flute-teaching, Janna co-founded eflute academy, Stapleford Flutes and Flute School London, all of which welcome and support adult learners of all levels. Much of her work has centred on supporting adult learners, alongside coaching advanced students. The spirit of nurturing and welcoming players, however unconfident, is very important to Janna and she encourages it in all her teaching and in collaboration with colleagues. Recently Janna published a handbook for adult flute learners, called The Flute Unwrapped – available from ‘Just Flutes’ and ‘All Flutes Plus’.

Janna works as a freelance orchestral player, as a teacher and also regularly as a soloist with various amateur orchestras. Recitals and chamber concerts make up the rest of her playing work, notably with the chamber group Harmoniemusik of which she is a founder member. Janna particularly enjoys their annual Music Festival in North Cornwall in late August. Janna features on Harmoniemusik’s CDs which have regular airings on BBC Radio 3.


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: