Isabelle Chapuis

Performing on Sankyo Flutes since ????

Born in Dijon, Isabelle Chapuis Starr studied with several of France's best-known flutists, including Jean-Pierre Rampal, Michel Debost, Gaston Crunelle, Christian Lardé, Alain Marion and Marcel Moyse. She attended the Conservatoire national supérieure de musique in Paris.

In 1975 at the age of 25, Isabelle relocated in California, where she was appointed Lecturer-in-Flute in the Department of Music (now the School of Music & Dance) at San Jose State University (SJSU). At San Jose State University, Isabelle taught both undergraduate and graduate flute students for 33 years, until her retirement in 2008 -- having achieved the rank of Senior Lecturer in Flute.

Long an orchestral player as well as a soloist, Isabelle serves as Principal Flute of the Orchestra of Opera San José. She has occupied that chair since Opera San José was founded in 1983 by General Director Irene Dalis.

From 1975-1985, Ms. Chapuis Starr served as Principal Flute in numerous chamber orchestra concerts with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, under Music Director Edgar Braun. Since 1992, she serves as Principal Flute of the San José Chamber Orchestra under Music Director Barbara Day Turner.

Recently, she recorded together with American flute soloist Robert Stallman and the Czech Chamber Orchestra under Andrej Kukal. They recorded a Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart for two flutes and chamber orchestra -- that is, an arrangement by Robert Stallman, orchestrated by British composer Stephen Hodgson, of Mozart's Sonata in D Major for two pianos.

Today, Isabelle teaches a series of flute master classes in Los Altos, California, in chamber music featuring the flute. This master class series is now in its fifth year and includes several dozen flutists each year.