FLUTES GALORE. The World Flute Society Convention features more than 20 performers from around in the world, who perform in a variety of musical traditions. They include Eau Claire's own Peter Phippen (inset). 

Eau Claire has been building its musical reputation for decades, from UW-Eau Claire’s much-lauded jazz program to its indie rock era to hosting massive rock, country, and bluegrass festivals.

Every two years, Eau Claire draws performers and devotees of a different kind of music entirely, as it plays host to the World Flute Society Convention, which runs July 17-21 at UWEC’s Haas Fine Arts Center.

“People come from all over the United States and beyond for this event,” says Grammy-nominated flutist Peter Phippen of Eau Claire, a member of the society’s advisory board. “Some are already solid musicians/flutists in their own right who come to network, hear the concerts, attend the workshops, and see what is new with the vendors, as everyone is always looking for that next new sound. There are also flute enthusiasts who are students or players of all ages that come to take lessons, attend the workshops, and hear the concerts.”

While the World Flute Society focuses on Indigenous, traditional, and folk flutes, some of this year’s performers will also demonstrate unique styles of Western silver flute performance, says Dr. Kathleen Joyce-Grendahl, the group’s director.

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People come from all over the United States and beyond for this event.

PETER PHIPPEN

noted flute player, on the world flute society CONVENTION

Joyce-Grendahl starts planning the artistic lineup a year in advance, focusing on performers who are “musically, culturally, and personally” interesting. “When I choose performers, I am always thinking about musical and cultural variety. I also try to choose new people who have never before performed for the convention,” she says.

That variety is evident from the list of performers, who range from those in the Western orchestral tradition to wind instrument players whose music grows from Indian, the Middle East, Japan, Australia, Latin America, and Native American roots.

Variety is also found among those who attend the gathering, Joyce-Grendahl notes: While some are university-trained musicians, many are simple people who love flutes and their otherworldly sounds on a musical and even spiritual level. Others are music lovers from the Chippewa Valley community who attend the 7pm concerts at Gartner Concert Hall scheduled each evening from Wednesday through Saturday.

In addition to the performances, this year’s convention will feature the first-ever World Flute Society Music Awards, the winners of which will be announced Saturday night.

The society has been holding its convention in Eau Claire since 2008. Joyce-Grendahl said the organization continues to return to Eau Claire because of the support of UW-Eau Claire, the university’s Music Department, and Visit Eau Claire, the local tourism agency.

“We also really enjoy the community of Eau Claire,” she added. “It is a beautiful city, and the people are so friendly. Eau Claire is a community that values the arts, which is an appealing draw for us as a musical and cultural organization.”

Phippen – who has recorded 25 albums over a three-decade career – said he can’t name just one artist he’s most excited about seeing. However, he said, “I am really looking forward to seeing my old Canyon Records label mate and friend Hovia Edwards (the most gifted and overlooked traditional native American flutist out there) and my old friend Ash Dargan from Australia (possibly the best didgeridoo player on the planet).” Dargan and Phippen performed frequently together in the early 2000s, and Phippen plans to join his friend on stage for a new numbers on Thursday, July 18.

“All of the performers bring something interesting to the table,” he adds. “This event is going to be epic!”

World Flute Society Convention • July 17-21 • UW-Eau Claire Haas Fine Arts Center • see worldflutesociety.org/convention-2024 for schedule, ticket prices, and more