“There’s just so much involved in music that is beyond the music itself,” reflects Kelly Zimba Lukić, Principal Flutist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. “And all of those things have enriched my life in ways I never would have imagined.” For Kelly, the path to becoming a professional musician was filled with moments of doubt, discovery, and, ultimately, a deep love for the flute that has shaped her life in unexpected ways.
Music wasn’t always the clear career choice for Kelly. Growing up in a music-loving family, she initially chose the flute simply because it was already in the house. “My mom played it in middle and high school, and when it came time for me to pick an instrument, it just made sense,” she explains. But learning the flute didn’t come naturally. “It was kind of a disaster at first. I struggled to make a sound, and it felt awkward to hold.” It took time and perseverance to overcome the frustration of those early days, but once the sound came, her progress accelerated rapidly.
Despite her growing skill, Kelly wasn’t always certain that music would be her path. In high school, as she considered potential career options, she realized that every possibility she explored came with one question: Will I still be able to play the flute? “One day it just occurred to me—why don’t I just play the flute and study music?” she recalls. A pivotal moment during her junior year solidified her decision. “I was in the Pennsylvania All-State Orchestra, and I remember thinking, wow, I’d love to do this for the rest of my life.”
At the heart of her artistry is a stunning 10-carat gold flute with silver keys, crafted by Boston-based flute maker Lillian Burkhardt. “As soon as I started playing it, I could feel it resonate through my fingers. It feels like an extension of myself,” Kelly shares. The unique blend of gold and silver gives the instrument both warmth and brilliance—qualities that make it a perfect match for her musical style. “It allows for so much flexibility—technically, tonally, musically. It’s a really beautiful instrument.”
Watch her full story in our Meet the Orchestra series to learn more about Kelly’s path to becoming Principal Flutist and her love for both music and the city she now calls home.
