Composer and flutist Valerie Coleman “VCOLEMAN” is a distinct new voice in American music. Born and raised in the same West End neighborhood of Louisville’s legendary boxer, Mohammed Ali, Coleman began her music studies at the late age of eleven. By the age of fourteen, she had already written three full-length symphonies and had won several local and state flute competitions. Today, Coleman is the resident composer, flutist, and founder of the Grammy nominated wind quintet, Imani Winds. Through her ensemble, she has made significant contributions to the world of chamber music. Her performances and works are heard regularly on Classical radio stations throughout the country. She can be heard on NPR’s Performance Today, All Things Considered, and The Ed Gordon Show; WNYC’s Soundcheck, and MPR’s Saint Paul Sunday. Her ensemble currently has five internationally released albums on the E1 label (formerly known as Koch International Classics):
 
“The composer who (temporarily) made me forget Mozart.” The Broad Street Review
 
UMOJA (2002), The Classical Underground (2005), IMANI WINDS (2006), “Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot”(2007), and “This Christmas with Imani Winds” all of which feature Coleman’s arrangements and original works.