Jonathan Henderson is an Australian flautist with a multifaceted career spanning Australia and the Nordic countries. Recognized for his dynamic performances and technical mastery, he has been engaged as orchestra principal, chamber music collaborator and recitalist across both regions, appearing at major international festivals including the BBC Proms and Lucerne Festival. His playing has been described by critics as “sublime” (Limelight Magazine), showcasing a “rich range of flute timbres” (The Creative Issue) and “a level of virtuoso control rarely heard” (The Music Trust).
After completing his early musical training at the Queensland Conservatorium with Gerhard Mallon and privately with Sally Walker, he pursued further studies in Germany with Felix Renggli at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg and in Switzerland with Jacques Zoon at the Haute École de Musique Genève. Masterclasses with Andrea Lieberknecht, Renate Greiss-Armin and Emily Beynon were an important influence on his studies.
His professional career began in 2012 when he was appointed Principal Flute of the Estonian National Opera Orchestra, a position he held until 2019. During this time, he also worked extensively in Finland as Guest Principal Flute with the Turku Philharmonic and Tampere Philharmonic orchestras and performed with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and Nordic Symphony Orchestra. In Australia, Jonathan has appeared as Guest Principal Flute with the Opera Australia Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and as Guest Associate Principal Flute with Orchestra Victoria. He has also performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
A dedicated chamber musician, Jonathan is the founder and Artistic Director of Contra Concerts and flautist of the Australian Debussy Trio. Previously, he directed the New Theatre Ensemble in Estonia and was a member of the Southern Cross Soloists. As guest artist he has performed for Phoenix Central Park, Festival Archipel Switzerland, Melbourne Recital Centre, Musica Viva Tasmania, Bangalow Music Festival, Orange Chamber Music Festival, Brisbane Music Festival and the Tallinn Chamber Music Festival among others.
Jonathan plays a 1994 14K gold Brannen-Cooper flute with a headjoint by Dana Sheridan.
Classical musician classical flutist flute teacher
★★★★★ “A sublime flute solo from Henderson." Limelight Magazine
“Henderson displayed the breadth of his capabilities... a level of virtuoso-control rarely heard." The Music Trust
“This virtuosic piece allowed Jonathan to showcase a rich range of flute timbres. He mastered the phrasing with drama, speed and accuracy." The Creative Issue
“Played superbly by Jonathan Henderson, this interpretation was strongly supported by first-rate accompaniment from Vatche Jambazian. Terrific performances by both musicians." Arts Hub
![Ludwig Van Beethoven | Serenade in D Major Op.41 Jonathan Henderson & Alex Raineri [Contra Concerts]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1JKuFgJJRAg/maxresdefault.jpg)
Jonathan Henderson and Alex Raineri perform Beethoven's Serenade in D Major Op. 41 in SONIC BEETHOVEN for Contra Concerts
Performance Highlights
+ 2022 Guest Principal Flute of the Opera Australia Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House
+ 2021 Performer for the 1:1 CONCERTS Australia social initiative
+ 2017 Soloist with the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra: world premiere of Lisa Cheney's Flute Concerto
+ 2016 Academist of the Lucerne Festival, mentored by Ensemble intercontemporain
+ 2015 Soloist with the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra: Estonian premiere of Lepo Sumera's To The Harmony
+ 2012 Appointed Principal Flute of the Estonian National Opera Orchestra
+ 2012 Performed at the BBC Proms as a member of the Aldeburgh World Orchestra
Jonathan Henderson and Vatche Jambazian in CONTRA SCHUBERT for Contra Concerts, photography by Theresa Hall
Jonathan Henderson, photography by Stephen Henry