Flutist & Performing Artist
"Bishop and Neuenschwander play each score with seamless expressivity, technical panache and vibrant coloration. They may be unseen but their refined artistry is definitely heard."
— Gramophone
Unseen//Unheard
September 26th, 7pm - The James Theater, Iowa City
Internationally recognized flutists Rose Bishop and Heather Neuenschwander are excited to present their new album Unseen//Unheard. The first of its kind, this album was released through Strange Moon Records on Friday, September 26, 2025.
"Bishop and Neuenschwander are both masters of their instruments...They explore a whole world of tone and harmony, with a gentleness that doesn’t obscure their virtuosity. It wasn’t flashy virtuosity for its own sake. The two can play anything, they’re beyond having to think about fingering or technique. When muscle memory takes care of the playing, they can focus on the music beyond the notes." - Little Village Magazine
"Unseen//Unheard is more than just a recording; it is a landmark contribution to flute literature. By commissioning and recording this body of work, Neuenschwander and Bishop have created a legacy project that ensures the voices of the alto and bass flute will be not only heard but celebrated." - The Flute View
Unseen//Unheard
The first ever(!) album that exclusively features music for alto and bass flute duets. Unseen//Unheard features an extraordinary collection of pieces by ten visionary composers from across the United States: Nicole Chamberlain, Timothy Hagen, Leanna Keith, Zachery Meier, Alyssa Mercedes Mena, Lisa Neher, Arturo Rodriguez, Sonya Leonore Stahl, Julie Stone, and Yoshi Weinberg.
Our name, Unseen//Unheard, was intentionally chosen to highlight instruments that are rarely featured in classical music. Just as these instruments often go unnoticed, so too do the voices of women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color in the classical world.
Our selection of composers reflects a commitment to amplifying those who have too often been overlooked. Each work brings a unique voice to the world of low flutes, expanding the repertoire in bold and beautiful ways. Each piece was commissioned by the duo for this project over the last three years, and was funded in full by the Iowa Arts Council.
International prize-winning flutist Rose Bishop enjoys a career as an orchestral musician, soloist and educator based in Iowa. A Trevor James Flute Performing Artist, she has performed extensively across the United States, as well as internationally across three continents.
Rose Bishop is Instructor of Flute at St. Ambrose University, Coe College, Cornell College, Clarke University, and Kirkwood Community College. She serves as Principal Flute of the Southeast Iowa and Quincy Symphony Orchestras, Acting Principal Flute with the Dubuque Symphony, and a member of the Colorado Mahlerfest Orchestra.
Bishop has appeared as a guest soloist with several ensembles, including numerous university and municipal bands in the USA, England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Belgium, in addition to enjoying various guest artist residencies at universities throughout the United States.
Heather Neuenschwander is an active flute/ piccolo player and teacher. She recently moved to the Twin Cities Metro and is currently accepting students for her home studio. Prior to moving to Minnesota Heather was the principal piccolo player with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, a position she won by audition in 2021. She also freelanced with many other local orchestras throughout Eastern Iowa. In 2018 she co-founded the Iowa City Flute Choir and served as principal conductor from its creation until her relocation.
On September 26, 2025 her debut album Unseen//Unheard, a collaboration with flutist Rose Bishop, will be released through Strange Moon Records featuring newly commissioned duets for alto and bass flute. Heather also served on the National Flute Association's committee for flute clubs and choirs and she has worked for Flute Specialists, Inc. since 2013 focusing in online sales and promotions.
Outside of the flute industry, Heather is a seasoned music educator. Holding a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in flute performance, Heather has taught as a certified K-12 music educator in four state. Currently she is teaching middle school beginning band in Maplewood, MN.
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Recorded at Cornell College
This project was generously funded in full by the Art Project Grant from the Iowa Arts Council.
Engineered by Lewis Fawcett
Mixed by Carter Broszeit
Mastered by Greg Dixon
Cover Art by Hal Ide
Lettering by Alexandra Allen