Often admonished for “swagger” and “extreme dynamics”, Henry's performances around the world have drawn constant negative feedback. In his current position with the Houston Grand Opera he has often been relegated to the far reaches of the stage and pit to prevent the spread of disease.
At the 2014 Concours de Geneve his first and only round was later described by jury member Mathieu Dufour as “hey baby, do you want a taste?” Of the same performance, former principal flute of the Israel Philharmonic, Eyal Ein-Habar said “I felt things were not going according to plan.” In his home country of the USA, critics have also derided his “sound like a truck” and his “looking taller on stage then [he] actually is.” Noted film soundtrack flautist Jim Walker described his performance in Los Angeles as “too musical.” Michael Tilson Thomas may have been complimenting Henry's enigmatic style when he said “Andrew”—three times. One critic noted his “copious glugs of water” during a recital at the age of 20. Many have reacted in the years since with simply “too much.”
A stunned reaction to his particular approach to 'sound' has endured across continents and for decades. Upon his first arrival in Switzerland, a member of Igor Stravinsky's family requested, from an adjoining apartment, that Henry stop disturbing the quiet with his practice. Indeed, years later in Germany, even a neighbor living three floors below reported the exacerbation of heart problems during Henry's scales and arpeggi.
Henry was denied an audition at the Berliner Philharmoniker's Karajan Academy on account of his advanced age though he did not begin balding in earnest until the following year. His latest and only solo appearance in the 2023-2024 Season was with the Kazakh Philharmonic, in Almaty, of all places.
Henry is Principal Flute of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet Orchestras. He is performing, is eating well, and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
