Nancy Stagnitta, instructor of flute at Interlochen Arts Academy, will join legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon for his 2025 summer and fall tour across North America.
Having just received the invitation last month, Stagnitta is already preparing for the tour.
"I'm frantically listening, practicing and also planning my wardrobe and packing — it's quite a lot right now," she said.
She joined the tour because she was recommended by her friend and colleague Eugene Friesen, who will also be performing with Simon.
"He's a cellist and an incredible multi-genre musician," Stagnitta said of Friesen. "They asked him, 'Hey, do you know a multi-genre flutist?' Thankfully, he does, and, long story short, here I am."
Titled "A Quiet Celebration," Simon's tour will visit 20 cities across 55 dates, including performances at venues such as Disney Hall in Los Angeles, the Beacon Theatre in New York City and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Stagnitta will need to play almost all of the flutes that she owns during the tour.
"I will be playing flute, alto flute, piccolo as well as a collection of flutes that I have collected. Some are made of wood, cane and bamboo," Stagnitta told IPR's Nancy Deneen. "Paul's music director said, 'Oh, you have to bring those.'"
But she won't just be playing her flutes.
"Apparently I'll also be doing a little bit of background singing," Stagnitta said.
Nancy Stagnitta will perform alongside an impressive group of Grammy-winning artists, including drummer Steve Gadd (Steely Dan, Chick Corea), cellist Eugene Friesen (Paul Winter Consort), saxophonist Andy Snitzer (Rolling Stones, Chris Botti), pianist Mick Rossi (Philip Glass Ensemble), and percussionist Jamey Haddad (Sting, Snarky Puppy).
"I know many of these players have played together for decades. Percussionist Jamie Haddad, drummer Steve Gadd — people I've admired forever — have been in Paul's band for a long, long time. His music director, Mark Stewart, same thing," Stagnitta said. "I know that I have a lot to learn from their experience and to join them."
The first half of each concert will feature music from Simon's 2023 album "Seven Psalms," and the second half includes hits spanning his 60-year career.
Music in this interview:
- "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon
- "Spirit Voices" by Paul Simon
