Rock and roll changed Robert Dick’s life when he was seven-years-old. He heard the piccolo solo in Bill Haley's Rockin' Robin, and began to study the flute. Now, nearly forty years later, he's a virtuoso. Critics have called him a `rare wizard of the flute,' and have said that his playing makes James Galway sound like the kid next door.

Mr. Dick is a flutist and composer, although "inventor of flutes and ways of playing them" might suit him better. Robert Dick's multifaceted musical life includes work on redesigning the flute itself.  Brannen Brothers Flutemakers manufactures his invention, the "Glissando Headjoint", which does for the flute what the "whammy bar" does for the electric guitar. 

A look at Dick's discography reveals a musician of major creative scope, with over twenty CDs of original solo and chamber works and collaborations with fellow creative musicians in such groups as the Ambient/Overdrive band King Chubby.  Other CDs feature music by Telemann ( the Fantasies for flute alone) and Jimi Hendrix. Recent releases include King Chubby’s IS and Columns of Air, duos with multi-instrumentalist and virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier.

You have to hear it to believe it!

Visit Robert Dicks' website.

Visit Ursel Schlicht's website.

May 23, 7:30pm, Egan Lecture Hall

View Full Festival Schedule