PIONEERING Haslemere musician Susan Milan has been honoured by The National Flute Association with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.

A leading international soloist as well as a principal flautist, she is Trinity Laban professor of flute.

Susan has also led an extremely successful career as a recording artist, chamber musician and a writer.

She was the first female principal flautist of both the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the first woman to serve as professor of flute at the Royal College of Music, the first woman to chair the British Flute Society, and the first woman jurist for the Kuhlau Flute Competition.

She is also director and founder of the British Isles Music Festival, where outstanding young musicians explore chamber music under the direction of established performers and teachers.

This year’s festival at Charterhouse School, Godalming, launches on Sunday, August 11, and continues until Saturday, August 17.

During the festival up-and-coming musicians study in masterclass and individually with established professors, rehearse under supervision and perform major works to the general public.

The National Flute Association has more than 4,000 members from 50 countries.

President Joanna Bassett said: “Susan Milan is an international soloist and orchestral flautist, who was a pioneer in the male-dominated music world.

“Her artistry has inspired musicians and audiences alike, and the National Flute Association is thrilled to award a Lifetime Achievement Award to her at our 2019 convention in Salt Lake City.”

Susan said: “To receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the greatest flute association in the world is an honour, a privilege and a high point in my career.

“I shall treasure the moment and look forward to continuing to share my passion for the flute with my American friends, colleagues and young flautists in future visits.”

* Find out more at www.bimf.org.uk .