Associate Principal Flute, New York Philharmonic
Performing with the Best of the Best
Alison Fierst (CFA 2018) got one of the most coveted jobs in music when she joined the New York Philharmonic as associate principal flute in September 2019. She joined about 100 world-class musicians who form the renowned symphony orchestra to perform regularly in New York City and major cities worldwide on tour.
“Over 300 people internationally applied for this position. It takes a lot to win an orchestra job, the audition included the most difficult solos and passages from our repertoire. It’s a job people keep for life when you’re at this level,” Alison says.
Alison credits Associate Professor of Flute Alberto Almarza, a CMU alumnus himself and the former principal flute of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Santiago, with helping her get where she is today.
Sticking with the New York Philharmonic is the long-term plan for Alison. A typical season includes performances of classics including Beethoven and Chopin, and big-name singers such as Cynthia Erivo and Renée Fleming. Audience favorites include movie nights where films play on a big screen in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall as the NY Phil plays the score live.
The NY Phil also contributes to soundtracks and movie scores. Alison was part of the ensemble for the 2021 re-release of “West Side Story” with music composed by former NY Phil conductor Leonard Bernstein.
“We are a special place for that music,” she says. “It was one of the biggest projects we’ve accomplished since I joined and I can’t imagine another orchestra recording for that movie. It’s in our DNA.”
Looking ahead, Alison is most excited about projects in partnership with the Shanghai Orchestra Academy. That’s an opportunity to experience her husband Enze Yan’s Chinese cultural background and share it with their 1-year-old son, Nolan. Beyond that, managing her high-profile job is a matter of keeping it low-key.
“I became successful in auditions when I put everything else aside to focus on putting my authentic musician self forward to my best ability,” she says. “Once you have that attitude, success will find the best way to fit into your life.”
Story by Elizabeth Speed