Swiss flutist Emmanuel Pahud is revered for his powerful, full-bodied sound and enviable virtuosic technique. Born in Geneva in 1970, Pahud joined the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1993 and has held the position of principal flute ever since, a role formerly occupied by Aurèle Nicolet (with whom Pahud studied) and James Galway. Like his predecessors, Pahud has developed a solo career in tandem with his ensemble work, playing a varied repertoire that spans everything from Boehm to Berkeley. Known for his 14-karat gold flute and sense of humor, he has gone so far as to dress in period costume for his 2011 recording of The Flute King: Music from the Court of Frederick the Great. He's also a creative programmer: In 2018's Solo, Pahud alternates Baroque composer Telemann’s Fantasias with 20th-century and contemporary pieces, while Dreamtime (2019) features pieces themed around different experiences of that state. Pahud has premiered many works—including concertos by Elliott Carter, Michael Jarrell, and Matthias Pintscher—and is responsible for bringing exciting new additions to the flute repertoire.