Peter Bruun
expanding repertoire for alto flute
An artistic friendship
Since the early 2000s, composer Peter Bruun and flutist Hélène Navasse have developed an artistic collaboration centred on the expressive possibilities of the alto flute. The collaboration spans solo, chamber and concerto repertoire, combining long-term artistic dialogue with a close personal friendship.
Their collaboration has grown through artistic trust and works written for Hélène Navasse. Across chamber music, solo repertoire and concerto writing, it reflects a shared curiosity for sound, expression, musical storytelling and the physical presence of performance.
The alto flute has become a central thread in this dialogue, from their first collaboration with Innocent Mind and Mayday to the ongoing project Earth to Earth to Heaven.
Earth to Earth to Heaven
Earth to Earth to Heaven is currently written for alto flute and string trio, with the ambition of developing the material towards a concerto with string orchestra.
The project grows directly out of the long artistic friendship between Peter Bruun and Hélène Navasse, continuing their shared exploration of the alto flute as a lyrical and deeply human voice.
As a new stage in a 25-year collaboration, the work connects existing repertoire, future commissioning and Hélène Navasse’s broader artistic focus on the flute family.
Innocent Mind & Mayday
Innocent Mind & Mayday is a concerto for alto flute and ensemble written for Hélène Navasse.
The work combines virtuosity, vulnerability and theatrical presence, placing the alto flute at the centre of a vivid ensemble landscape.
→ Project pageMoon Bird Night
Peter Bruun’s writing for woodwind quintet connects naturally to Hélène Navasse’s chamber music background and her long engagement with contemporary repertoire. Moon Bird Night is dedicated to Atlas CPH.
The collaboration around wind writing opens another perspective on colour, blend and instrumental character.
dedicated to Atlas CPH
Grass Leaves
Grass Leaves for alto flute and piano continues the exploration of the alto flute as a lyrical, flexible and deeply expressive instrument.
The work has become part of Hélène Navasse’s recital repertoire and will receive its French premiere in 2026.
Mojácar La Vieja
Written for alto flute and cello, Mojácar La Vieja grew out of the continuing artistic dialogue between Peter Bruun and Hélène Navasse.
Composed for Havamal, the work explores an intimate chamber music landscape centred on colour, breath and musical storytelling.
Autumn, what is your plan?
A solo work for alto flute, Autumn, what is your plan? extends the collaboration into its most intimate form: one performer, one instrument and the detailed inner life of sound.
The piece forms part of Hélène Navasse’s ongoing exploration of contemporary repertoire for alto flute.
A long-term artistic exploration through collaboration, creation and performance.