The Los Angeles Flute Orchestra (LAFO) is an 8 to 12 member professional ensemble comprised of Los Angeles based flutists. The LAFO was founded in 1999 by a group of flutists who wanted the chance to play great music on a regular basis. Due to the limited number of flute positions in orchestras, the group created its own playing opportunities. The LAFO has become one of the most recognizable flute choirs in the Los Angeles area, performing many local concerts and appearing at other events.

The LAFO's style covers the full spectrum from baroque and classical to jazz, contemporary and ethnic genres. What makes the LAFO special is its extremely versatile instrumentation. The group features the entire flute family-Piccolo, C Flute, Alto and Bass Flutes, the unique Double Contra-Bass, Contra-Bass and F-Bass Flutes and various ethnic flutes. As a result, the group achieves a highly resonant, dense and complex sound.

Unprecedented sound capabilities coupled with the group's exceptional musicianship have attracted the interest of many composers and orchestrators from around the world who have contributed to the LAFO's exclusive repertoire. The group is dedicated to the performance of original works, and continues to pursue one-of-a-kind dynamic pieces.

The LAFO has amassed a collection of new works composed and arranged specifically for our group by Ron Gorow, Christopher Caliendo, Peter Senchuk, Vinny Golia, David Avshalomov, Eddie Sobenes, Michael Kibbe, Emily Senchuk, Ron Goldstein, Steve Sample, John Eidsvoog, Joey Sellers and Charles Fernandez, many of which are featured on our CD "The Stroke of Twelve." The CD was supported (in part) through Subito, the quick advancement grant program of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Composers Forum. Working one-on-one with the composers of these pieces has allowed the group to be part of the creative process, and has afforded composers access to unlimited compositional possibilities, and the unique opportunity to uncover the specific sound, dynamic, special effect and orchestration requirements necessary for conveying their music. For the LAFO and our contributing composers collaboration has been key in producing music and art without compromise. We continue to develop and foster these types of creative working relationships with composers of chamber music. It is our anticipation that this recording of original compositions will reflect the beauty of our collaborations and will encourage many new ones, not only with composers, but with other multi-media artists as well.

Click here to read the Performance Resume (PDF).

Archives

The Stroke of Twelve CD release party, October 23, 2005
The LAFO performed at the 2005 NFA convention in San Diego, CA, on the Caliendo World Music Publications Exhibitor Showcase. See the photo page for more pictures from the CD release party and the NFA convention. Check out this American Flute Guild article for more information on the LAFO performance at the NFA convention.