Iryna Gorkun-Silén is reimagining the French flute legacy
In her artistic doctoral degree, Ukrainian-born flutist Iryna Gorkun-Silén has researched the 19th-century French flute school and its profound influence on modern performance.
The doctoral project combines a written thesis with four doctoral concerts, offering new perspectives on how historical performance practices shape contemporary flute playing.
“My research examines how the French flute school’s stylistic nuances and pedagogical traditions continue to impact modern musicians,” says Gorkun-Silén. “By connecting historical performance practices with contemporary techniques, I aim to enhance both the understanding and interpretation of French repertoire.”
Gorkun-Silén’s doctoral thesis, embedded in practice-driven research, explores how historical flute repertoire, technical exercises, and interpretative approaches have influenced the way the flute is played today. A key element of her research was her hands-on engagement with French flute repertoire, historical recordings, and interviews with prominent flutists like Sir James Galway, Paula Robison, and Maxence Larrieu. Through this process, Gorkun-Silén uncovered distinct performance practices that define the French flute tradition.
Reviving the French flute school for today’s musicians
“The interviews provided invaluable insights into the pedagogical lineage that has shaped the way the flute is taught and performed,” she notes. “These conversations have been essential to understanding the depth of the tradition and its influence on contemporary playing.”
The artistic component of Gorkun-Silén’s doctorate included a series of four concerts, each reflecting a different aspect of her research. These performances allowed her to explore and showcase the practical application of her research in real-world performance settings.
Bridging past and present in flute performance
La Flûte Française (2016) served as an introduction to the history of the French flute school, featuring French music from different periods. Hommage à Paul Taffanel (2017) was a tribute to Paul Taffanel, a central figure of the French flute school, showcasing composers influenced by his playing and teaching. New Directions (2018) explored the impact of the French flute tradition on contemporary repertoire, including works by Jolivet and Bolling. The Art of Collaboration (2019) was a multidisciplinary concert blending music and visual art, in collaboration with visual artist Aino Koski.
“Each concert was designed to challenge my musical understanding and offer new insights into the French flute tradition,” Gorkun-Silén explains. “For example, in my ‘Hommage à Paul Taffanel’ concert, I focused on romantic French music, where dynamics and sound colors are key elements. The feedback I received from teachers like Sir James Galway and Pierre-Yves Artaud helped me refine my interpretation.”
Through these concerts, Gorkun-Silén was able to integrate her research findings into her own performance practice, exploring how the French flute school’s stylistic elements continue to inform modern flute playing.
“I hope my doctoral work helps bridge the gap between historical performance traditions and modern-day interpretations,” says Gorkun-Silén. “By preserving and evolving these traditions, I aim to inspire future generations of musicians to connect more deeply with the history of their instruments.”
More information
Iryna Gorkun-Silén
iryna.gorkun-silen@uniarts.fi