Christina Smith has been with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1991, when she was hired to be the principal flutist. In addition to her role as principal, she is an active chamber musician, a dedicated teacher and guest soloist with major orchestras and ensembles at home and abroad. She recently joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to reflect on her decades with the orchestra and 50 years of the ASO on WABE.
Hired at just 20 years old, Smith joined the ASO during a prolific era under Music Director Yoel Levi, participating in Grammy-winning recordings and honing her craft alongside seasoned musicians.
“Those were really tough days for me,” Smith recalled. “But they taught me the importance of refinement and discipline.”
Reflecting on the years with Music Director Robert Spano, Smith praised his trust and collaborative spirit, sharing that “with Robert… we’re all in this together.”
She cited the ASO’s operatic projects, like “Doctor Atomic” and “El Niño,” as particularly memorable, calling Spano’s leadership “intuitive” and “genius.”
