Mark Sparks, Principal Flute, Herbert C. and Estelle Claus Chair
Mark Sparks was appointed Principal Flute of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2000. He also gives solo and recital concerts during the year and has performed in South America, Japan, and major U.S. venues including Carnegie Hall. He has recorded a solo album for Summit Records and will be featured in a live session of "Performance Today" later this season.
In the summer season Mr. Sparks enjoys teaching and performing at the Aspen Music Festival where he is a faculty member and principal flutist of the Aspen Chamber Symphony. He has also participated in other prominent festivals and training programs, such as the National Orchestral Institute and Music Masters in Japan.
Mark Sparks earned his degree from Oberlin Conservatory where he studied with Robert Willoughby. He attended high school in St. Louis, where he studied with SLSO section members and trained in the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
