Alison Fierst is an American flutist recognized for her artistry as an orchestral musician, soloist, and educator. She has served as Associate Principal Flute of the New York Philharmonic since 2019, where her playing has been described by The New York Times as “nuanced and buoyant.” She has also appeared as Guest Principal Flute with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2026, the San Francisco Symphony during the 2021–22 season, and the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra in 2021.

Fierst earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Flute Performance from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, studying with Alberto Almarza and Jeanne Baxtresser. Shortly after graduating, she joined the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as Second Flute for the 2018–19 season before being appointed to the New York Philharmonic. In 2025, Carnegie Mellon recognized her professional achievements by naming her a Tartans on the Rise honoree.

Fierst has received recognition in numerous national competitions. She received Second Place in the 2018 National Society of Arts and Letters National Woodwind Competition after winning the Pittsburgh Chapter competition. In 2017, she was awarded Second Place in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition and First Place in the Flute Society of Greater Philadelphia Young Artist Competition.

Alongside her performing career, Fierst is an active educator and mentor. She has presented guest lectures and masterclasses at Carnegie Mellon University, New York University, and the Manhattan School of Music, and has maintained educational collaborations with the New Jersey Flute Society and Shanghai Orchestra Academy.

From 2016 to 2018, Fierst attended the Aspen Music Festival and School as a three-time flute fellowship recipient, studying with Nadine Asin, Mark Sparks, and Demarre McGill. She also participated in The Consummate Flutist at Carnegie Mellon University in 2013, 2017, and 2018.

Through her work with leading orchestras, educational institutions, and young musicians, Fierst has established a multifaceted career encompassing orchestral performance, solo playing, and teaching. She performs on a 14-karat gold Muramatsu flute.

When she is not performing or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Enze, and their son and daughter.