Jean-Pierre Rampal †
Flutist, conductor. Considered "the father of the current flute boom", he was the first flutist to attract world-wide audiences equal to those drawn by virtuoso pianists and stringplayers. With his numerous performances, recordings, premieres, revivals and commissions, he had a prominent role in restoring the flute to the exalted position it has held during the 18th century. Jean-Pierre Rampal has performed with virtually every major orchestra in the world. His many honors include the Leonie Sonning Prize, the Trophée des Arts Award from France, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure from Japan.
Jean-Pierre Rampal died in spring 2000 at the age of 78.