Melanie Lançon

Melanie Lançon was appointed Principal Flute of the Auckland Philharmonia in 2018 and made her solo debut with the orchestra in 2020.  Originally from the United States, she recently appeared as soloist with Camerata Pacifica in California and has performed as guest principal with Seattle Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and the Pacific Symphony.  Her collaborations include a myriad of distinguished conductors and celebrated artists – most notably Pierre Boulez, Daniel Barenboim, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Renee Fleming, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Yuja Wang.  Since arriving in New Zealand, Melanie has been a recitalist and clinician at the University of Waikato and served as Juror for the Gisborne International Music Competition.  She will be featured alongside Auckland Philharmonia oboist Bede Hanley and pianist Stephen De Pledge in a 10-city tour with Chamber Music New Zealand this winter.

From 2013 to 2016, Melanie held the position of Principal Flute with Central City Opera in Colorado, and acted as 2^nd Flute in Utah Symphony & Utah Opera for their 2014-15 season.  She was previously a Fellow with New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida, where she worked closely with Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas. He described her as a “beguiling player” and she was lauded for her “dazzling performances, infused with depth of both technique and interpretation” by South Florida Classical Review.  Other engagements include Houston Grand Opera/Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Baton Rouge Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, and Music Academy of the West.

Melanie has been a key performer on numerous broadcasts and recordings. She is featured in Peter Shickele’s video production P.D.Q. Bach in Houston: We Have a Problem! and as solo flutist in the film “Domus”, which accompanies designer John Saladino’s book, Villa.  She has been highlighted on CBS Miami, Minnesota Public Radio, and Radio New Zealand, and can be heard on albums with Seattle, Utah, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras.

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Melanie received her Master’s degree from Rice University and earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Northwestern University, where she won the 2002 Concerto Competition. Her principal teachers were Timothy Day, Walfrid Kujala, and Leone Buyse.

In her free time, Melanie enjoys tramping through New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, making jewelry, and cooking Cajun food.