John Michael Flavetta

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, John Michael Flavetta joined the ECSO in 2024. John Michael enjoys a diverse career as an educator and performer. He serves on the faculty of the Hartt School of Music and in addition to performing with the ECSO, is a member of the Hartford Symphony and Portland Symphony Orchestras. John Michael has been featured as a soloist with the Hartford Symphony and performs as a guest musician with major orchestras around the U.S., including the Boston Symphony and Houston Symphony Orchestras. 

John Michael is a third-generation professional horn player and received degrees from the New England Conservatory (B.M.) and Rice University (M.M.). His primary teachers were William VerMeulen, Richard Sebring, and Jason Snider. While a student, John Michael participated in prestigious fellowship programs at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. 

An advocate of new music, John Michael spends his summers performing at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, America’s prestigious, preeminent contemporary music festival based in Santa Cruz, California as a member of the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra.

Hidden talent(s): I’ve always been a really good whistler, although perhaps my most well-received performance was when I simultaneously played violin and harmonica in my elementary school talent show! 

Favorite musical memory: I grew up watching my mother perform in the horn section with the Alabama Symphony and enjoyed a full circle moment after I graduated college when I got the call to sub with the ASO for the first time and sit next to her!

Favorite Motto or Quote: Life is short, don’t waste it.

Favorite Composer: Lately, I’ve enjoyed anything by Mozart, especially his piano sonatas. However, my favorite piece of contemporary music that I performed last year was the Concerto for Orchestra by American Composer, Kevin Puts.
What/Who inspired you to take up your instrument: My father passed away when I was two years old. He was also a horn player in the Alabama Symphony. Unfortunately, I don’t have any memories of him since I was so young when he passed, but I’ve always felt a connection through the horn. In fact, I played on his old instrument for many years. He remains my greatest inspiration and motivation, and I’m honored to continue in his legacy.