Mathieu Dufour is principal flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 1999. Before coming to Chicago, he was principal flute solo of the Paris National Opera Orchestra from 1996 to 1999. Prior to his appointment there, he served as principal flute solo of the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse for three years. Dufour began his flute studies at the age of eight. At the age of fourteen, he was awarded the school's gold medal by unanimous vote. He subsequently studied with Maxence Larrieu at the National Conservatory of Music in Lyon, where he was unanimously awarded first prize in 1993. Dufour frequently appears as soloist in recitals and concerts around the world. He is a member of the Chicago Chamber Musicians, and he serves on the faculty at Roosevelt University in Chicago.