Experts' Expert "Magic Flutes"

Whom do the professionals revere among their contemporaries and forebears? 
Martin Cullingford asks seven flautists to nominate their Experts' Expert.

" Which flautist (from anywhere in the recording catalogue) do you most respect and admire, and most importantly, why?" 

WILLIAM BENNETT
The immediate appeal has to be his sound; not only, or perhaps even necessarily, for it's beauty, but for its sheer diversity. The range of colours, characters, dynamics and variety of vibrato is always dazzling. Perhaps more stylistically authentic recordings for baroque and classical repertoire exist today, yet there is always a sincerity and conviction to his performances that I find inspiring. Having been lucky enough to be taught by him for 4 years, I can also imagine how he arrived at every musical decision and gesture which adds a very personal touch to the overall appeal of listening to him play!