Melissa Mielens

Melissa Mielens, hailed in reviews for her “eloquence” and “ethereal flute lines” is the principal flutist for the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Vista Philharmonic. She has additionally played principal flute with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Portland Symphony Orchestra and Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. She has toured abroad with various orchestras, including Japan with the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra, the United Kingdom with the New World Symphony and Europe and South America with the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra. 

Ms. Mielens has been a prizewinner in several national and regional competitions, including the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition and the Pappoutsakis Flute Competition. Her playing has been featured on numerous radio stations, with live performances on WGBH and WVPR. 

As one of the youngest recipients of a Fulbright Grant (Kade Fellow), Ms. Mielens studied in Paris with Alain Marion. She received her B.M. and M.M. both with distinction in performance from New England Conservatory. She is dedicated to music education and enjoys working with her thriving flute studios at University of New Hampshire and Phillips Exeter Academy.