Christopher Kantner
Principal Flute Christopher Kantner has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphony since 1976. At the age of fourteen, he attended the Peabody Conservatory - High School Division where he studied with Bonnie Lake. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and his Master's degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook. Principal teachers for Mr. Kantner have included Keith Bryan, Clemente Barone, Samuel Baron and Albert Tipton.
In 1978 he was a finalist in the prestigious Naumberg Competition. As Principal Flute, he has appeared as soloist numerous times with the Grand Rapids Symphony and has performed with such guest artists as Beverly Sills and Jean-Pierre Rampal. He has been a member of the Woodwind Quintet and the Flute and Harp Duo, performing educational, social and community service concerts throughout the region. Mr. Kantner has been a member of the Canary Islands Opera Festival Orchestra, and the Aspen Summer Music Festival Orchestra. Through his work with the Fontana Ensemble and as a charter member of Baroque and Beyond and the Mackinac Island Music Festival, he has become well-known to Michigan audiences as a soloist and chamber musician.