Duo 46

Founded in 1994 by violinist Beth Ilana Schneider-Gould and guitarist Matt Gould, Duo46 is dedicated to cultivating the tradition of chamber music for violin and guitar initiated by the legendary virtuoso Niccolò Paganini. (Although primarily known for his extraordinary prowess as a violinist, Paganini was also a guitar virtuoso, and the guitar figures prominently in his chamber compositions.) While Paganini's works for violin and guitar may be regarded as the foundation of Duo46's classical repertoire, they also perform works by other eminent composers for guitar, including Mauro Giuliani and Filippo Gragnani. In addition, Duo46 has developed an impressive repertoire of 20th century and contemporary music, including compositions by Manuel Ponce, Joaquin Nin, Henri Sauget, and Astor Piazzolla. A dynamic and exciting ensemble, Duo46 actively seeks and commissions music by contemporary composers, performing, broadcasting, and recording not only works by emerging composers but also neglected works by 20th century composers. Critics praised their debut recording, FM1: Homage to the 50s, featuring music by lesser-known Central European composers, emphasizing Duo46's technical excellence, melodic beauty, and interpretive originality. Duo 46's following disc, Untaming the Fury, featured music by late 20th century American composers. In fact, these discs are part of an ambitious project to commission new music for violin and guitar, sometimes in combination with other instruments as well. As of 2010, the duo has premiered more than 100 new works. The Duo's first teaching position was in Turkey, which allowed it to establish its presence at several European festivals and form new partnerships. With pianist Nathanael May, they are the Strung Out Trio, performing music by Scott Brickman. Both Gould and Schneider-Gould joined the faculty of Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario in 2011.
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