The relationship between a musician and his or her instrument is not unlike a love affair, and the start is quite often a matter of chance encounters. This certainly holds true for Megan Sterling, principal flautist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and her instrument of choice.
'I started learning the flute because my father was looking for a hobby,' she recalled. 'He bought a flute to teach himself at home. I wanted to learn the oboe, but I was still small, and the oboe can be quite heavy. I thought I would start playing the flute until I was big enough to change, but somehow I never got around to it.'
The Australian musician has excelled in her partnership with her beloved instrument. She has performed for the prime minister of Australia, appeared on national television and won several competitions in various cities around the world, including first prize at the Hungarofest International Flute Competition held in Budapest for her interpretation of Mozart's Flute Quartet in D Major.
In fact, Ms Sterling is performing this very work at today's AIG Lunchtime Harmonies concert.
'The flute quartet is a very appealing and accessible piece,' said Ms Sterling, who has been principal flute with the Hong Kong Philharmonic for the past four years.
'The quartet contains an extremely beautiful slow movement, which I think is just as good as some of Mozart's best arias. The last movement could put the grumpiest person in a good mood.'