Biographies:
Christina Smith is one of the most sought-after flutists in the country as an orchestral player, soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. The 2020-21 season is Ms. Smith’s thirtieth season as principal flutist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and her solos can be heard on over 40 ASO recordings. She has also appeared with the orchestra numerous times as concerto soloist. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, Ms. Smith studied at the Curtis Institute of Music as a pupil of the legendary Julius Baker. She has appeared as guest principal flutist with the Chicago Symphony, LA Philharmonic, the Vancouver Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Ms. Smith’s longtime collaboration with ASO principal harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson resulted in the 2008 release of a duet album entitled “Encantamiento.” Equally passionate about teaching, Ms. Smith serves on the faculty at Kennesaw State University and Emory University. She performs on a flute handmade in 1950 by Verne Q. Powell. She is proud to be a Powell artist.
Elisabeth Remy Johnson has been Principal Harpist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1995. She gives solo and chamber music recitals throughout the U.S.A. and teaches at Emory University, Georgia State University, and Kennesaw State University. Ms. Remy Johnson is a graduate of Harvard University, Phi Beta Kappa, where she majored in Music and French. In addition to the ASO, she has performed as Principal Harp with the symphony orchestras of Boston, Houston, and Milwaukee, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. She has made numerous recordings with the ASO, as well as several solo and chamber CDs. In 2018, she and several ASO colleagues founded The Merian Ensemble, a chamber group dedicated to their “Listen: Works by Women” initiative, an annual series of concerts celebrating and commissioning chamber music composed by women. Ms. Remy Johnson was co-founder and artistic director (2000-2010) of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, serving students from the Atlanta Public Schools. She has received Atlanta's Channel Eleven Community Service Award, the TBS Pathfinder’s Award, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "Up & Comers Award.”
