About

Melissa Lessure, classical flutist in Western Pennsylvania, plays with several local orchestras including the Johnstown, Youngstown, Westmoreland, Altoona and McKeesport Symphonies. A past winner of the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society Competition, Ms. Lessure has played in many chamber ensembles. Her trio of flute, violin and cello currently performs frequently for local engagements.

A native of Bay City, Michigan, Ms. Lessure studied flute with Mary Anderson before embarking on her formal musical training at the Interlochen Arts Academy with teacher Jacqueline Hofto. After a year at the University of Michigan studying with Clement Barone, she transferred to Florida State University. Charles DeLaney guided her through her Bachelor of Music degree, and she co-founded the Australian-American Chamber Ensemble as a student. Ms.Lessure moved to Pittsburgh to study with Julius Baker in the Master’s degree program at Carnegie Mellon University.
She won the Silberman Chamber Music Competition and the Westmoreland Symphony Young Artist Competition as a Master’s student. Robert Langevin guided her musical studies in the Artist Diploma program at Duquesne University. With Mr. Langevin’s expert guidance, Ms. Lessure won the positions she currently holds in area orchestras.

Ms. Lessure has been an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota since she joined the Alpha Chapter at the University of Michigan as a freshman. She was active in the Beta Alpha Chapter at Florida State University and the Alpha Mu Chapter at Carnegie Mellon University. She is currently treasurer of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of SAI and has been both president and secretary.

Appearing as soloist with the Johnstown Symphony, Ms. Lessure performed the Vivaldi Piccolo Concerto in 2003. She has also soloed with the Westmoreland Symphony, the Southeastern Music Festival Orchestra and Carnegie Mellon University ensembles. Ms. Lessure has been a finalist in several orchestra auditions.

In 2006 Ms. Lessure joined the musical cast of the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theater for "The Shaugraun". She has also appeared onstage with the Pittsburgh Opera for "La Boheme". Ms. Lessure is sought after for weddings and engagements all over Western Pennsylvania.

Additional Links: http://www.pittsburghfluteclub.org/