Pamela Sklar, flutist and composer
Praised by The New York Times as “…engaging…piquant…delightful…”, Pamela Sklar has toured as flute soloist with famed pianist and composer Claude Bolling and other ensembles throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, in Paris and Morocco. A sought-after flutist for her pure tone and expressive, versatile musicianship, Pamela’s performances include(d) film and international television, recordings &/or appearances for well-known artists including Paul Simon, Dave Brubeck, Alan Hovhaness, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, and for Aretha Franklin at the Grammy Awards.
An award-winning and published composer of chamber music, Ms. Sklar collaborates as a flutist and composer with her own and other ensembles, writing and performing chamber music for unusual combinations of instruments. Performances, recordings and premieres of her works include the USA, Spain, and Cuba.
Pamela Sklar studied with John Wummer, Samuel Baron, Julius Baker and in master classes with Thomas Nyfenger, and Marcel Moyse; formerly the last living legacy of the French School of Flute Playing.
Which are the professors who most influenced you or what do you remember from them and why?
“Two professors, both American, who influenced me most are
Samuel Baron. His wonderful approach to problem-solving and method of working was so helpful to me when I was working on some very challenging music. Sam was full of ideas and offered much guidance.
Karl Kraber. I admired greatly his inventive collaborations, inspiration, phrasing and great arrangements for ensembles, which he gifted to me for my own trio.”
Who are your favorite performers?
“Emmanuel Pahud, Lorna McGhee, Michael Rabin, Leonard Bernstein, Jimi Hendrix (musically speaking. I also love tap dancers including Fred Astaire, the Nicholas Brothers).”
If you would have to choose a humanitarian project to sustain, which one would you choose?
“Environmental causes- clean energy/wind & solar, work to counteract climate change, support projects to bring enough clean water to everyone, everywhere.
Help Native Americans/tribal members protect their sacred lands.”