Frances Shelly
Biography
Flutist FRANCES SHELLY enjoys an active career as soloist, orchestral and chamber musician, performing in major venues throughout the United States and Europe. The Washington Post recently described her playing as “powerful and evocative.” Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, Shelly earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate of Music degrees in flute performance from the University of Michigan where she was a student of Keith Bryan. After graduation she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study in West Berlin, Germany. While in Europe she studied with James Galway, Jean Pierre Rampal, and Frans Vester. Professor Shelly was awarded the College of fine Arts “Excellence in Teaching” Award in 1996. She was also selected to be the first recipient of the “Anita Jones Faculty Fellowship” in 2005. As Principal flute in the Wichita Symphony she has been featured on several occasions, including a performance of Cimarosa’s Concerto for Two Flutes with world renowned flutist, Jean Pierre Rampal. Most recently Shelly collaborated with Maestro Andrew Sewell in a performance of Carl Nielsen’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra. Shelly performs extensively with, the Lieurance Woodwind Quintet, Wichita State University’s resident woodwind quintet and 1989 recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award. In Collaboration with organist Steven Egler, Shelly has commissioned, premiered, and recorded several new works for flute and organ. The Shelly/Egler Duo has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Norway. Recordings of the Shelly/Egler Duo and the Lieurance Quintet are on the Summit and Morning Star Record Labels. In October of 2003 Dr. Shelly performed with New York Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano, Joyce DiDonato, on an intercontinental tour, which included concerts at Lincoln Center in New York City, Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, and Wigmore Hall in London. Shelly also performed with Ms. DiDonato at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. An award winning recording of Shelly with Ms. DiDonato is on the Eloquentia Record Label.
