Nicolet, Aurèle

Aurèle Nicolet was a Swiss flutist, considered one of the best flutists of the 20th century and had influenced many flutists, musicians and teachers around the world.
Born in Switzerland, he studied at the Conservatoire National de Paris. After winning the prestigious Geneva competition in 1948 he started professional career in Zürich and Winterthur orchestras but left after couple of years to become solo flutist with Berlin Philharmonic in 1950 by invitation of Wilhelm Furtwängler. He played there for almost a decade, last couple of years under Herbert von Karajan.

Additionally, he was a professor at the Music Academy in Berlin (until 1965) and later taught at the Freiburg Conservatory (until 1981).  Aurèle Nicolet was in high demand as a flute soloist, performing with the best orchestras and musicians of that time, including oboist Heinz Holliger, pianist Bruno Canino, and harpsichordist Karl Richter. Among his most notable students: Emmanuel Pahud, Michel Faust, Marina Piccinini, Pedro Eustache and many others.