Ms. Jessica Pierce has risen to become one of the finest flutists of her generation. Since her American Debut in 1998 with the Saratoga Symphony, she has continued to perform all over the world including Paris, London, Sarajevo, Stockholm, Tijuana, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Kansas City, and San Diego.
"American flutist, Jessica Pierce gave a ravishing performance at Nice's historic Cloitre de Nice" - Nice Matin. Nice, France.
Ms. Pierce began her studies in Northern California with Isabelle Chapuis and Mimi Carlson, attending Santa Clara University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in both music and French. During her time at SCU, she was accepted into the prestigious Academie Internationale d’Ete de Nice where she studied with Philippe Bernold, Christian Lardé and Claude Bolling, the Oxford Flute Summer School with Peter Lloyd and Domaine Forget with Alain Marion and Emmanuel Pahud. Upon completing her degree, she was awarded the Descalzi Prize for the outstanding graduate.
Her studies then brought her to Paris where she attended the famed Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with Pierre-Yves Artaud where she completed her Diplôme Superieur in Flute Performance and Chamber Music à l’unimitité.
In 2009, Jessica completed both a Master’s degree and a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at the University of Southern California under Jim Walker. While at USC, Jessica performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Scott Tennant, Pepe Romero, Itzhak Perlman, Eleonore Schoenfeld and Kevin Fitzgerald and has performed under the baton of Carl St. Clair, Sergei Commissiona, Jorge Mester, John Barnett, Yehuda Gilad, and Donald Crockett.
She is a founding member of the world-renowned flute and guitar duo, AlmaNova, with guitarist and composer, Almer Imamovic. Since 2006, AlmaNova has premiered over 40 new works for the flute and guitar duo, most of which have been composed by Mr. Imamovic and Ms. Pierce. Their innovative and inspiring works for guitar and flute have been performed on 5 continents.
AlmaNova’s recordings have been described as “…pure musical pleasure” (Flute Focus Magazine, 2009) and have received much critical acclaim. Their first CD recording 'Debut' features original works by Mr. Imamovic inspired by the sounds and folk melodies of his native Bosnia. It was recently honored by the largest worldwide independent music organization, Just Plain Folks, receiving Best Instrumental Album, 2009 as well as Best Instrumental Song, 2009 for ‘Sarajevo Nights’. Their second CD, ‘Classic Giuliani’ was awarded Critic's Choice, 2008 by American Record Guide calling it “… some of the best [Giuliani] I've heard”. Their newest release, ‘After Hours’, explores the music of Macedonia through thoughtful arrangements and more original compositions by Mr. Imamovic and Ms. Pierce.
As an Ambassador of the Arts for the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS), Ms. Pierce is committed to helping young Bosnians succeed through scholarships and furthering education. In 2009, she was invited to Sarajevo by the American Embassy to perform as special televised concert featuring the Bosnian love songs, sevdalinke. She is the first flutist to have performed and recorded these musical treasures. In 2010 in Los Angeles, AlmaNova performed alongside actor and sevdah singer, Rade Serbedzija and actress Annette Bening for the Bosana Foundation’s annual televised event helping young Bosnian orphans.
As a dedicated teacher and educator, her students have gone on to win major competitions, study at prestigious music programs and perform regularly throughout Southern California and beyond. She has been a master teacher/guest artist for the CSU Fresno Summer Arts Program, Santa Clara University, University of Texas, Carmel Music Society, and the San Diego Flute Guild.
To visit AlmaNova Official Website click here.
