Flutist François Laurent has Died, Aged 63

Laurent was the principal flute of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse for over 40 years

François Laurent attended the Lycée Emile Loubet Valence, studied musicology at the Université Lumière Lyon II, and studied flute at the Paris Conservatory with Jean-Pierre Rampal.

Laurent made his first solo appearance at the age of 17, in Paris’ Salle Pleyel with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Radio France, and won first prize at the International Competition of Geneva the following year in 1978. He also won at the Kobe International Flute Competition in 1985.

He became the principal flutist of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse (ONCT) in 1982, staying in the position for 40 years.

He was soon invited to perform with the World Philharmonic Orchestra in Montreal and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra with conductor Lorin Maazel in 1988 and 1992, respectively.

He regularly gave chamber music concerts and masterclasses all over the world and was part of creating the annual Clefs de Saint-Pierre season since 2000 in Toulouse. 

As an educator, he also taught at summer courses, such as the Academie Henri Tomasi in Marseille, the Academie Internationale de Guérande et des Pays de la Loire, and the Academie Gyorgy Sebök. 

On EMI Classics, Laurent’s recordings include his acclaimed performance in Debussy’s Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune with the Orchester du Capitole and conductor Michel Plasson. He played on a 18K gold Pearl flute.

“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of François Laurent, flute solo with the National Orchestra of the Capitol until 2023,” the ONCT posted on Facebook. “In this challenging time, we pay tribute to his 41-year exceptional career and express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions he made, both musically and humanly. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

Our condolences to Mr. Laurent’s family, friends, students, and colleagues.