Elizabeth Rowe (flutist)

Elizabeth Rowe
Background information
Born1974 (age 49–50)
GenresClassical
OccupationPrincipal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
InstrumentFlute
WebsitePersonal website
Known forGender discrimination lawsuit

Elizabeth Rowe (born 1974) is an American flutist and leadership coach, known for being the principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 2004 to 2024 and for a gender discrimination lawsuit.

Rowe grew up in Oregon where she started playing the flute as a child. She earned a music degree and has held several titled positions with professional orchestras. In 2004, she won a blind audition against 250 other applicants to become the principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

In 2018, she filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the Boston Symphony Orchestra alleging she was paid less on account of her gender. The case was settled out of court in February 2019.

Rowe announced in 2023 that she would retire from the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2024, following the orchestra’s final Tanglewood performances for the season.