Vaynu Kadiyali

Vaynu Kadiyali joined the North Carolina Symphony in the 2025/26 season, having previously served as acting Piccolo and 3rd Flute player for the 2022/23 season. Prior to this appointment, Kadiyali was a student at Northwestern University, where he studied flute and piccolo with John Thorne, Jennifer Gunn, and Alyce Johnson.

While completing his undergraduate studies, he appeared with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as a substitute flute and piccolo player. At Northwestern, Kadiyali played principal flute on premieres led by Donald Nally; collaborated with composers including Julia Wolfe, Christopher Cerrone, and Alex Temple; and played solo flute and piccolo on a forthcoming premiere on the Cedille Records label.

Originally from Ithaca, NY, Kadiyali studied with Elizabeth Shuhan and performed concertos with the Ithaca Concert Band and the renowned Ithaca High School Wind Ensemble. Outside of his musical pursuits, he earned a dual degree in economics, with an interest in public policy.