Who Am I…

Lydia Walquist is an American-Chinese flautist praised by mentors and colleagues for her intuitive, sensitive artistry. Her work spans historical performance to contemporary music and experimental techniques. Lydia is committed to broadening the listener’s experience by exploring the intersections of early and modern performance practices.

Her orchestral engagements include performances with the RAM Symphony Orchestra under Sir Mark Elder and Edward Gardner, Knussen Chamber Orchestra with Ryan Wigglesworth, and the Dunedin Consort with John Butt. She has served as Principal Flute in opera productions at the Royal Academy of Music such as Albert Herring and Le Nozze di Figaro.

As a soloist and collaborator, Lydia has performed at Wigmore Hall as part of Temporal Harmonies Inc, at the RAM Instrumental Olympics as one of the Academy Baroque Soloists, and performed Boulez’s Sonatine for the Royal Academy of Music’s “Boulez in Context” project curated by Tamara Stefanovich. Her interest in creative collaboration is reflected in her frequent work with composers including Zygmund De Somogyi, Ashkan Layegh, and Sarah Marze.

Lydia regularly performs with her promising chamber group, Temporal Harmonies Inc. Founded by Xiaowen Shang, Mikolaj Piszczorowicz, and Lydia Walquist, Temporal Harmonies Inc. is a proud recipient of the Jacob Barnes Award and has performed in venues across London including Wigmore Hall, Royal Academy of Music, and St. Mary Le Strand. With their upcoming events and performances, this passionate ensemble is keen to bring new audiences to classical music and break down the barrier between the listener and the performer.

Lydia has received top prizes in the DePaul Concerto Festival, Society of American Musicians Young Artist Competition and Enkor International Music Competition. She continues to build a multifaceted career grounded in curiosity, versatility, and inclusive programming.