Christopher Kantner · flute

Christopher Kantner joined the Grand Rapids Symphony as Principal Flutist in 1976. His career spans a period of tremendous growth for the GRS, from its first step towards becoming a full time orchestra with the inception of a full time core of players, to the orchestra’s historic debut in Carnegie Hall.

In addition to his frequent solo appearances with the GRS, Mr. Kantner is well known to Michigan audiences through his long association with the Fontana Ensemble, his appearances at the Saugatuck and Manitou Festival, and as a member of ensemble Montage.

A Naumburg finalist, Mr. Kantner has been a fellow of the Aspen and Bach Aria Festivals. He has appeared with the Bach Aria Group in a cycle of the complete Brandenburg Concertos, as Principal Flutist and soloist with the Colorado Music Festival, and as soloist with the Lansing and Ann Arbor Symphonies.

Mr. Kantner studied at the Peabody Conservatory, the University of Michigan, and S.U.N.Y. Stonybrook. His teachers were Bonnie Lake, Keith Bryan, Clement Borone, Samuel Baron, Albert Tipton and, more recently, Jacques Zoon. He has held appointments on the faculties of Interlochen, Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University.