Meet the Student: Q&A with Flutist Annie Li

Annie Li, from Beijing, entered the Curtis Institute of Music in 2022 and studies flute with Jeffrey Khaner. All students at Curtis receive merit-based, full-tuition scholarships, and Ms. Li is the Huldah Bender Kerner, M.D., Fellow.

What was your first musical experience as a child, and what is your most memorable performance experience so far?
I was born into a musical family where my parents are both musicians. My life has been surrounded by music since then. My parents would play recordings for me when I was an infant, which fueled my passion for music.

The most memorable performance experience for me was back in 2022, my first ever Curtis Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin. We performed Daphnis et Chloé by Ravel, which is especially challenging for the flute. I have heard this piece many times because there is a famous flute solo, and it’s my first time performing this fantastic piece with three of my studio mates on stage instead of being an audience. It was indeed a special experience, and I learned how to blend my sound into an orchestra.

When did you decide you wanted to pursue a career as a flutist and why?
I pursued becoming a musician when I was young because of my family’s influences, but I had not decided on a specific instrument until I was ten. I had tried several instruments before, such as piano and cello, but I was utterly fascinated by the flute’s voice and beauty. Since then, I have decided to become a flutist, and have been playing it for almost eight years.

How did you first hear about Curtis?
Curtis was the first school that I heard about from my teachers, friends, and families when I was young. I was told it is a utopian place for all musicians. I could never imagine myself studying here. Therefore, getting into Curtis is a dream come true, and I am forever grateful for it.

After one semester, what do you enjoy most about the Curtis experience?
Curtis is a place that nurtured hundreds of musicians, providing students with the best musical resource undoubtedly. Performing with my wonderful colleagues is definitely the most enjoyable thing about Curtis. Everyone has unique ideas, and I can learn a lot through rehearsing with them.

Tell us about other hobbies or interests beyond playing the flute.
My favorite thing to do other than music is photography. I love capturing the natural scenery and lovely faces of my friends and family. I particularly enjoy the moment when I press down the shutter button and am able to save the image that I see through my eyes, which reminds me of all the precious moments that I experience with the people I love.

Photo credit: Banner and second image courtesy by Nichole MCH Photography.