SEATTLE SYMPHONY’S FLUTE AND PICCOLO ZART DOMBOURIAN-EBY RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
ZART DOMBOURIAN-EBY RECEIVES THE NATIONAL FLUTE ASSOCIATION’S 2025 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD — THE FIRST RECIPIENT TO EARN BOTH
Seattle, WA — The Seattle Symphony is excited to announce that Zart Dombourian-Eby, the Symphony’s Flute and Robert & Clodagh Ash Piccolo, has been recognized with prestigious awards from The National Flute Association (NFA) for her exceptional contributions to music. Dombourian-Eby has been a musician with the Seattle Symphony since the 1982/1983 season, and is regularly featured as both a flute and piccolo soloist with the orchestra.
“We are immensely proud to see Zart recognized for her profound and enduring contributions to the flute community and her dedicated service to the NFA,” said Jennifer Adair, Seattle Symphony Vice President & General Manager. “This honor is a testament to her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to service and to advancing the art of music.”
On October 29, the NFA announced the recipients of its 2025 Achievement Awards, which are given annually to recognize significant and lasting impact to the flute community and the NFA. The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring accomplished luminaries in flute-related fields, will be presented to Dombourian-Eby, along with Lillian Burkart and Sheryl Cohen. Dombourian-Eby will also be honored with the NFA’s Distinguished Service Award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated profound, dedicated service and commitment to the NFA. Dombourian-Eby is the first person to receive both awards.
“Lillian Burkart, Zart Dombourian-Eby, and Sheryl Cohen are trailblazers in their fields,” said Jennifer Grim, incoming President of the NFA’s Board of Directors. “They have dedicated their lives to their work, setting the standard for our field. I look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements at Atlanta's 2025 National Flute Association Annual Convention.”
Achievement Award recipients are chosen following an open nomination process. A committee composed of NFA members reviews all nominations before choosing the year’s award recipients. The awards will be presented at the 53rd Annual NFA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Gala Awards Cocktail Reception on Saturday, August 9. Tickets will be available for purchase in the spring.
ZART DOMBOURIAN-EBY
Zart Dombourian-Eby is regularly featured as both a flute and piccolo soloist with the Seattle Symphony. A native of New Orleans, she has performed on concert series and given master classes throughout the United States and internationally, including the first piccolo recital ever performed in China. She has served on the faculty at the University of Washington and Pacific Lutheran University. Her solo CD, in Shadow, light, is available on Crystal Records, and her edition of the three Vivaldi piccolo concertos is published by Theodore Presser. Dombourian-Eby has served as both President and Convention Program Chair for the National Flute Association, the professional association of over 4,000 flutists from all over the world. Read more about Zart in her Meet the Musicians profile.
Zartouhi Dombourian-Eby‘s position is generously underwritten as the Robert & Clodagh Ash Piccolo.
THE NATIONAL FLUTE ASSOCIATION
The National Flute Association (NFA) was founded in 1972 as a common ground for flutists to exchange ideas and inspiration and has expanded in the decades since to include a quarterly magazine, an annual convention, and a dynamic assortment of scholarship programs, commissions, and member-driven initiatives. Nearly 4,000 people from all 50 states and more than 40 countries are NFA members, including leading soloists, orchestral players, jazz and world music performers, teachers, adult amateurs, and students of all ages. With 25 committees and more than 300 volunteers and appointees, the NFA finds its heartbeat in its members, who keep the gears turning at full speed with their passion and limitless supply of ideas. The NFA values and celebrates the contributions of all its stakeholders and is committed to growing as a diverse and equitable organization. More information is available at nfaonline.org.
SEATTLE SYMPHONY
The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony+ streaming service, the orchestra’s concerts reach audiences at home and around the world.
BENAROYA HALL
Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle and surrounded by numerous restaurants, retail stores and parking facilities. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org.
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