James Kortum—Flute
James Kortum is currently Lecturer in Flute at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Originally from the United States, James came to Australia in 1977 to take up the position of Principal Flute with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. In 1980 he moved Sydney to become Principal Flute with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and in 1987 won the Second Flute position with the Sydney Symphony. Subsequently he has also been Principal Flute with the Sydney productions of Phantom of the Opera and Fiddler on the Roof.
He also has been Guest Principal Flute with the Queensland Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (New Zealand), Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra, Hunter Sinfonia and Pacific Opera Orchestra. For many years he was a member of the Sydney based chamber ensemble, Collage. In 1996 James was appointed Lecturer in Flute at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.
James has appeared as guest artist at flute conventions held in Brisbane, Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and Christchurch, New Zealand and given classes in England, Hong Kong and throughout Australia. In 2005 he received the Master of Arts (Music) degree from the University of Newcastle for his test on flute playing, The Purposeful Flautist: Technique to Interpretation.