About

Flutist Alisa Smith is passionate about connecting with others through music and enjoys collaborating through chamber and orchestral settings. Alisa is currently a second-year Master’s student at Boston University studying with Elizabeth Klein, associate principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Alisa completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Carnegie Mellon University where she studied with Alberto Almarza. She has previously studied with Susan Thomas and Deborah James.  

In 2023, Alisa received 1st prize in the 43rd annual James Pappoutsakis Memorial Flute Competition, in addition to the Fenwick Smith Memorial Prize for Best Performance of the Contemporary Work. She performed a solo recital at Jordan Hall for the Fenwick Smith Tribute Concert. Alisa also performed as the flute fellow with Emmanuel Music for the 2023 Bach Institute. 

Alisa has spent summers playing principal flute at the Atlantic Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival, and the Interlochen World Youth Symphony Orchestra. As an orchestral player, she has performed principal roles under the batons of JoAnn Falletta, Carlos Kalmar, Cristian Macelaru, Larry Rachleff, Carlos Izcaray, Jung-Ho Pak, Andrés Cárdenes, and others. Alisa is a recipient of the Interlochen Fine Arts Award. 

Outside of solo and orchestra playing, Alisa is a member of Aurora Collaborative and performs chamber music for local Rhode Island communities. 

Alisa is a Haynes Young Artist and plays a Haynes handmade custom 5% gold flute.