About

Dan Flanagan has built a multifaceted career as a soloist and orchestral musician, performing concertos with orchestras in California and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. Flanagan currently serves as Concertmaster of the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera, Concertmaster of West Edge Opera, and Instructor of Violin at University of California, Berkeley.  Described as an “excellent violinist” (New York Concert Reviews), “stellar musician” (Nevada Reviews) and “superior violinist” (Piedmont Post), he has been praised for his “exquisite tones” and “forthright brio” (Sacramento Bee), and his “solos were excellent” (San Francisco Classical Voice). 

 

The 2023-24 season includes solo recitals at The Center for New Music in San Francisco, Boson University, Carnegie Hall, University of Rome, and The American Library in Paris.  

The Bow and the Brush

Created by violinist/composer Dan Flanagan, The Bow and the Brush integrates the visual arts with new music. Dan commissions and composes new works of music inspired by paintings and sculptures in his personal collection. Read more.

Donate to support Dan’s project The Bow and the Brush.

WINTER/SPRING 2024: In addition to orchestral and chamber concerts, Dan Flanagan is embarking on a massive solo tour that includes Center for New Music in SF, Boston University, and his Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall. This is followed by concerts in Paris, Bordeaux, Rome, and Frosinone.

Dan’s newest album The Bow And The Brush has been released on MSR Classics and is available on CD and major streaming platforms.  It features 14 Premieres for Unaccompanied Violin by composers Edmund Campion, Cindy Cox, Shinji Eshima, Dan Flanagan, Jose Gonzalez Granero, Peter Josheff, Libby Larsen, Linda Marcel, Jessica Mays, Evan Price, James Stephenson, Nathaniel Stookey, and Trevor Weston. Volume 2 is currently be recorded.

“This release is many things, but primarily it is a virtuoso exposition of violin playing from Flanagan, and a celebration of what is possible when art and music intersect. Bravo.” -Fanfare Magazine (January, 2024)

“The exceptional violinist Dan Flanagan fleshes out 14 solo pieces inspired by paintings and sculptures…. a very accomplished body of work from one of today’s most luminous violin players.” -Take Effect (December, 2023)

 “So happy to report that the intrepid violinist puts on a master class of exemplary technique, insightful interpretations and an immediately felt devotion to canvases of both sound and art.” -James Wegg Review (December, 2023)

“Flanagan has solidified his position as one of the country’s most talented interpreters of contemporary music.” -International Journal of Music (October, 2023)

“Flanagan’s performances are expectedly committed with a sense of joy inherent throughout these different works that is one of discovery and challenge.” -Steven Kennedy Music (September, 2023)

“As expected, a panorama of violin techniques is presented in the performances, and consequently one comes away from the project well-impressed with Flanagan’s musicianship and versatility. It’s a fascinating project.” -Textura (September, 2023)

Also: Check out Dan’s interview about The Bow and the Brush with Vents Magazine and his article, Rhapsody in Discomfort, about leading a music career with a chronic illness. It has recently been published in New Music Box by New Music USA.

Upcoming Events