Alison Fierst is a distinguished American flutist recognized for her dynamic artistry and versatile musicianship in both solo and orchestral performance. Currently serving as the Associate Principal Flute of the New York Philharmonic since 2019, Fierst has quickly risen to prominence as one of the leading flutists of her generation. Her playing has been described by The New York Times as “nuanced and buoyant,” earning critical acclaim for her expressive tone and clarity of phrasing in performances with the Philharmonic.

Originally from the United States, Fierst began her formal musical education at Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Flute Performance in 2018. While at Carnegie Mellon, she studied under the tutelage of renowned flutists Alberto Almarza and Jeanne Baxtresser, both of whom significantly shaped her musical approach and professional development. In recognition of her achievements and contributions to the arts, Fierst was named a 2025 Carnegie Mellon Tartans on the Rise honoree.

Fierst's orchestral experience is both impressive and diverse. In addition to her current position with the New York Philharmonic, she has held notable guest principal flute roles with prestigious ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony (2021–2022) and the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra (2021). She also served as the Second Flute with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra during the 2018–2019 season, gaining valuable experience in a range of orchestral repertoire.

A passionate educator, Fierst shares her expertise with the next generation of flutists through guest lectureships at esteemed institutions. She has been a frequent guest lecturer at Carnegie Mellon University since 2020 and has expanded her teaching to include guest roles at New York University and the Manhattan School of Music beginning in 2022. Additionally, she has maintained ongoing educational collaborations with the New Jersey Flute Society since 2021 and the Shanghai Orchestra Academy since 2019.

Fierst’s commitment to artistic excellence has been recognized through a series of competitive accolades. She was a finalist in the Aeolus International Competition for Wind Instruments in 2021 and earned Second Place in the National Society of Arts and Letters National Woodwind Competition in 2018. She also claimed top honors at the Pittsburgh Chapter of the NSAL Woodwind Competition and was awarded Second Place in the 2017 National Flute Association Young Artist Competition, in addition to First Place at the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Young Artist Competition the same year.

Her summers have been equally productive and enriching. From 2016 to 2018, she participated in the Aspen Music Festival, where she was awarded the coveted flute fellowship for three consecutive years. There, she refined her craft under the guidance of world-class flutists including Nadine Asin, Mark Sparks, and Demarre McGill. She also took part in The Consummate Flutist seminar at Carnegie Mellon University in 2013, 2017, and 2018, further broadening her pedagogical and performance horizons.

Alison Fierst continues to captivate audiences and inspire students through her performances and educational initiatives. With a blend of technical finesse, expressive depth, and a commitment to mentorship, she remains a vital voice in the classical music world.