Denis Bouriakov has been the Principal flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2015 and, before that, was the Principal flute of the Metropolitan Opera from 2009. Denis has in recent years established himself as one of the most active and sought-after soloists in the flute world. He has won prizes in many of the most important international competitions, including the Munich ARD, Jean-Pierre Rampal, the Prague Spring, the Carl Nielsen, and the Kobe competitions, to name a few.
 
Denis looks outside the standard flute repertoire for works that allow the flute to shine. In addition to having a phenomenal virtuoso technique and musicianship, he is continually transcribing and performing violin concertos and sonatas, expanding the limits of flute technique and artistry. His first solo CD included the Sibelius Violin Concerto and Bach Chaconne in his own arrangements. Bouriakov has also recorded the Bach Concerto for Two Violins with flutist William Bennett and the English Chamber Orchestra. His 2012 CD, recorded in Japan, includes a more traditional flute repertoire, featuring works by Copland, Debussy, Boehm, Jolivet, and Prokofiev. In collaboration with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Denis has recorded his latest album with Romantic-era violin and flute concertos, including the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. The CD will be released in 2016.
 
Denis has performed as a soloist with many orchestras worldwide, including the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, the Moscow Philharmonic, the Prague Chamber Orchestra, the Ensemble of Tokyo, the Hiroshima Philharmonic, the Odense Symphony, the Munich Chamber Orchestra, the Ensemble of Paris, and the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. He has annual solo recital tours to Japan and performs frequently in recitals and concertos all over the world.
 
Denis Bouriakov was born in Crimea in 1981. At the age of ten, he was given a place at the Moscow Central Special Music School, where he studied with Professor Y.N. Dolzhikov. With the support of the ”New Names” International Charity Foundation and the Vladimir Spivakov Foundation, he toured in the next few years as a prodigy soloist to over 20 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and the U.S., and performed for Pope John Paul II, Prince Michael of Kent, and the presidents of Russia, Romania, and Indonesia. When he turned 18, he went on to attend the Royal Academy of Music in London, studying with Professor William Bennett (OBE). His graduation in 2001 was accompanied by the Principal’s Award, the diploma for Outstanding Recital, and a Teaching Fellowship Award for the following year. In 2006, the Academy awarded him the title Associate of the Royal Academy of Music. In 2014 he was awarded the Fellow of the RAM title. While in London, Bouriakov freelanced as principal flute with the Philharmonia of London, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Leeds Opera North, and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony.
 
Denis’ first full-time orchestral position was as Principal Flute with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland (2005-2008), where he also taught at the Tampere Conservatory of Music. In 2008, he was appointed Principal Flute with the Barcelona Symphony under Eiji Oue. Later that year he won the Principal Flute position in the Metropolitan Opera in New York. His 2017 engagements include recitals, concertos, and coaching and masterclasses in Europe, Asia, Canada, and the U.S.A.

Denis plays on an Altus PS model flute and a Miguel S Arista headjoint.