Hometown:
Springfield, Virginia
Education:
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
Helen Freeman has just completed her undergraduate studies at Eastman with Bonita Boyd and Anne Harrow. She is an active substitute musician and performs with ensembles including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, and Syracuse Orchestra. Helen attended the NRO in 2025, featured as a soloist, and was a fellow at NOI+F in 2024. She recently won Eastman’s Flute Concerto Competition in 2026 and appeared with the orchestra.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My mom is a professional vocalist (as well as my first flute teacher!), so I grew up surrounded by music of all sorts. I tried a lot of musical things, but I found the flute so much fun from the beginning. However, my inspiration to pursue music as a career has come most from my teachers. Everyone I’ve studied with has been so passionate and excited about music, so I’ve always felt encouraged to see a career in music as both fulfilling and within reach.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Some of my favorite composers to play have been Ravel and Mahler. Both composers tend to include some beautiful flute solos with some of the most satisfying flute/wind section moments out there.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I was a competitive figure skater for about 15 years, many of which were spent competing on a synchronized skating team.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to bike, do needlework, and take walks (specifically when they end at coffee shops).
Why did you choose the NRO?
I thoroughly enjoyed my summer at NRO last year and knew that I had to return for this season! Working closely with the same group for a whole summer is an incredibly unique opportunity for musicians beginning a professional career and it led to some of the most satisfying musical experiences I’ve had to date. Breckenridge is also such a beautiful location and the perfect backdrop for a lot of hard work and growth.