Peter-Lukas Graf

Peter-Lukas Graf earned widespread recognition during his generation as one of Switzerland’s leading flutists, while also earning acclaim for his work on the podium. Three volumes he produced on flute technique and musical interpretation became essential references for performers worldwide, prompting their translation into several languages that include Japanese and Chinese. Over many years he instructed flute students and accumulated an extensive catalog of recorded performances. His chosen repertoire encompassed compositions by J.S. and C.P.E. Bach, Boccherini, Pergolesi, Mozart, Krommer, Doppler, Reinecke, Khachaturian, and Villa-Lobos, among numerous others. Recordings appeared on an array of labels such as Claves, Danacord, Divox, Musiques Suisses, and Brilliant Classics.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 5, 1929, Graf pursued flute studies first with André Jaunet in his native city and subsequently at the Paris Conservatory under Roger Cortet and Marcel Moyse. He likewise trained in conducting at the same institution with Eugene Bigot, receiving a diploma, and secured first prize in flute performance there.

At twenty-one he issued a recording of the Ibert Flute Concerto that received strong critical notice and quickly brought him international attention. Even so, he continued his conducting studies in Munich for an additional three years. In 1953 he captured first prize in flute at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. Between 1951 and 1957 he held the position of principal flutist with the Winterthur Symphony Orchestra. Beginning in 1957 he performed with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra on flute and occasionally directed the ensemble from the podium. The Harriet Cohen International Music Award came to him in London in 1958.

Around 1960 Graf directed more of his energies toward conducting and accepted an appointment at the Lucerne State Theater, where he remained from 1961 to 1967 and led numerous opera productions. During this span he also appeared as a guest conductor with various European orchestras while continuing to present flute recitals from time to time.

Graf joined the faculty of the Basle Music Academy as professor of music in 1973. In subsequent years he released a series of well-received recordings, among them his accounts of the Mozart Flute Concertos No. 1 and No. 2, now issued on Brilliant Classics, with Raymond Leppard and the English Chamber Orchestra; these performances garnered extensive international acclaim. He remains on the Basle Music Academy faculty and maintains an active concert schedule, chiefly within Switzerland.