Joel Tse joined The Toledo Symphony in 1998 as principal flute, after three years in that position with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, FL. He has performed as guest Principal Flute with the English Chamber Orchestra, and held positions in the Erie Philharmonic, and the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Joel has made chamber music appearances throughout Europe, Russia, South America, Greece, Turkey and Israel.

His family came to the United States from Hong Kong when he was a child, and he grew up in Phoenix, AZ. Joel received a Bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, a Master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a Performance Diploma from the Royal Academy of Music in London. His teachers include Bonita Boyd, Walfrid Kujula, Jeffrey Khaner and William Bennett and his recordings include the New World Symphony, American-Soviet Youth Orchestra, and the Eastman Philharmonia and Wind Ensemble. Joel plays on a French flute made by Louis Lot, #2770, circa 1880.

This past summer, Joel performed with the Pacific Music Festival’s 10th year anniversary orchestra at the invitation of Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor. Recently, he received a grant from the Mellon Foundation to present local recitals that demonstrate the influence of the French flute on the modern instrument. Away from the flute, he enjoys cooking, tennis, and making pottery.