Cynthia Stokes, a native of Rochester, NY, moved to Minneapolis with her composer husband, Eric Stokes, in 1959. For over 35 years she performed as flutist and piccolo player with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra while also serving as flute instructor at St. Olaf College. She has been closely involved with the Minneapolis Pops for 45 of its 70-year history. Not only was she principal flutist, but she was also contractor, general manager and fund-raiser from 1975 to 2001. She continues with the Orchestra as part-time flute player, contractor, and president of the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra Association.
