About Us: Meet the Musicians

Prior to becoming principal flute with the North Carolina Symphony, Anne Whaley Laney was principal flute with the Canton Symphony and piccoloist with the Aspen Festival Orchestra.

She has appeared as flute soloist with the St. Louis Symphony as its 1982 Young Artist winner, playing Mozart’s Concerto in D Major, K.314 and with the Canton Symphony playing John Corigliano’s Pied Piper Fantasy. She has been featured with the North Carolina Symphony in various roles as a soloist. Along with her solo performances, one of Laney’s most memorable experiences includes playing at Carnegie Hall in 1987 with the North Carolina Symphony.

Laney is a native of Alton, Illinois. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University where she studied with Gerald Carey, and her master’s degree from DePaul University where she studied with Donald Peck.

Anne and her husband, attorney/mediator Frank, are loyal Wolfpack fans, attending all of their home football and basketball games.  However, son William is now attending UNC-Chapel Hill, so the whole family, including daughter Megan, are conflicted Wolfpack/Tar Heel followers.

 

 

How did you choose your instrument?
A family friend had a flute her daughter didn’t play anymore!

What are three of your favorite movies?
Blues Brothers, Chicago, anything with Clark Gable.

What’s your favorite spot for a post-concert drink or bite to eat?
Stonewood Grill or Lucky 32, both in Cary.

What do you think is the greatest misconception about classical music?
That musicians are stuffy and boring.

What is your idea of a perfect day?
Having fun with my family—eating out or at a Wolfpack game.

What is in your mp3 player right now?
My what?

What famous figure, living or dead, would you most like to invite to dinner, and why?
The Beatles—what a hoot!

What is your fantasy career?
Just what I’m doing—musician and mother.

What would you consider to be the perfect classical concert program?
A Wagner overture, a Beethoven symphony, a Mahler symphony.

Other than performances with the North Carolina Symphony, where can we catch you performing around town?
At my church.

What is your favorite North Carolina Symphony moment?
Playing at Carnegie Hall.

What is your favorite stress reliever?
Deep-tissue massage.

What is always in your kitchen?
My 17-year-old son.

Do you have a recurring nightmare?
Being alone on a high narrow bridge.

What is the best thing about being a musician? The worst?
Best: when I’m playing my best. Worst: when I screw up.

Do you have any performance superstitions or rituals?
Arrive at concerts early and as relaxed as possible.

What was the first piece of music you fell in love with?
A record of classical marches that my dad had.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Going to lunch with friends at nice restaurants.

Who is your personal Yoda?
My college flute teacher, Gerald Carey.

Do you collect anything? If so, tell us about it.
Flute player figurines.

What work have you always wanted the opportunity to perform?
Das Lied von der Erde by Mahler.