Claire Chase

Claire Chase is a Professor of the Practice in Harvard University’s Department of Music and a Creative Associate at The Juilliard School. Renowned as a flutist, interdisciplinary artist, and advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered hundreds of new works and received prestigious awards including the MacArthur Fellowship (2012) and Avery Fisher Prize (2017). She co-founded the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), serving as its artistic director until 2017. Chase leads the Density 2036 project, a 24-year initiative redefining solo flute literature through commissions and educational outreach. Her work integrates music with science and technology, exemplified by collaborations like the Pauline Oliveros project at Getty’s PST ART x Science Collide festival (2024-25).

• Key Roles: Harvard Professor, Juilliard Creative Associate, Density Arts Artistic Director
• Recent Performances: Carnegie Hall residencies, Ojai Music Festival (2025 Music Director), collaborations with orchestras worldwide

Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural equity, reflected in courses on contemporary music advocacy. Chase’s 11 solo albums and over 30 collaborative recordings highlight her technical mastery and genre-defying approach. Growing up in California, she initially aspired to professional baseball before discovering the flute.