Sasha Ishov, Flutist

Sasha Ishov is a Russian-American flutist, educator, and researcher exploring how performance and technology intersect to expand the flute’s expressive possibilities. Praised for his “well sounded and lucid” artistry (San Diego Union-Tribune), his work bridges classical and contemporary repertoire through solo, chamber, and orchestral performances as well as  experimental collaborations with technology and new media.

Sasha has premiered more than 100 works and performed at the Ojai Music Festival, BBC Proms, June in Buffalo, Carnegie Hall, and with the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, Ensemble Signal, Switch~ Ensemble, NYO-USA All-Stars, and the San Diego Symphony. A champion of new music, Sasha has collaborated with composers including John Adams, John Luther Adams, Augusta Read Thomas, Matthew Aucoin, and Anthony Davis. He has performed alongside Renée Fleming, Anthony McGill, Steven Schick, Miranda Cuckson, Irvine Arditti, and the JACK Quartet. Sasha co-leads Offscreen with percussionist Michael Jones and Terns with bassist Will Yager. 

His research initiative, PrismaSonus, investigates how  technology reshapes performer–composer communication, notation, and sonic perception in flute practice. The project has been presented at Harvard University, Northwestern University, and the Qualcomm Institute, and continues to inform his approach to pedagogy and performance alike.  

As an educator, Sasha integrates classical fundamentals with digital tools and embodied practices  such as the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping. He has taught at UC San Diego and the  North Carolina Governor’s School, mentoring students in both solo and chamber contexts.  

Sasha holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from UC San Diego, a Bachelor of Music from Eastman, and is a Miyazawa Artist.