gareth mclearnon - flute

International flautist Gareth McLearnon left his native Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1999 to attend the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. While still a second year undergraduate student, Gareth was invited to record a track for the CD Songs for Alexander with the World famous flautist Sir James Galway and harpist Marisa Robles.

After graduation, Gareth was awarded the prestigious Ian Fleming Award from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and a Countess of Munster Musical Trust Award. Following a year of postgraduate study, he was awarded a principal flute position in Southbank Sinfonia for their 2005 season.

Gareth has been principal flute of The Heritage Orchestra since 2009 - playing concerts all over the UK, including an arena tour with Tim Minchin in 2011, and a BBC Proms performance with Jamie Cullum in 2010. A regular in the pit orchestras of London’s West End, he has played in numerous shows including The Lion King, The Wizard of Oz, Love Never Dies, Oliver! and The Lord of the Rings.

Gareth has worked with Gillian Humphreys and the Concordia Foundation since 2003. He has been an International Artist Ambassador with Concordia since 2008, performing concerts and giving masterclasses all over the World including trips to Shanghai, Nairobi and Siena. Future plans include concert tours of Brazil, and return visits to China and Africa.

Gareth is a Pearl Flutes International Artist, and plays on a custom made solid 14K gold flute, and 14K headjoint by Dana Sheridan.