ABOUT
Praised for their “excellent intonation, fine timbral blend, impeccable articulation, and brilliant technical command” (Leone Buyse), Duo Esplanade is a versatile chamber ensemble that offers musically and intellectually exciting performances. Founded in 2014 at the Boston Conservatory, this clarinet-flute duo engages audiences by highlighting the standard repertoire, exploring non-popularized works, arranging music which are traditionally performed by various instruments, collaborating with other musicians, and expanding the literature for clarinet and flute by commissioning new pieces.
Since forming the group, the Duo’s energetic and powerful performances have taken them to perform at the annual conventions of the National Flute Association, International Clarinet Association, and Florida Flute Association. They have appeared on the biggest stages including the Boston Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall at Resnick Education Wing in New York City, radios including Florida’s WFSQ and for the completion of Boston’s WCRB – WGBH sonic logo. The Duo expresses music with “virtuosity and ensemble precision, showing a commitment to contemporary music and a desire to excel” (Frank Kowalsky).
Their recent seasons have included collaboration with composers including Jennifer Higdon, Louis Andriessen, Valerie Coleman, Derek Bermel, Jose-Luis Maurtua, and Gregory Wanamaker. As part of residencies, they have presented masterclasses in solo and chamber music, as well as clinics in career development at several universities, conservatories and
high schools including Istanbul Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University State Conservatory, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, Nebraska Wesleyan University, University of North Florida, University of Florida, Stetson University, University of Akron, Central Michigan University, Longy School of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and Stuyvesant High School among many others. In addition to distinguished concert venues to educational institutions, the Duo has also contributed to non-traditional venues inlcuding churches, museums, libraries, medical centers, and senior homes with a mission to make positive statements on contemporary musical culture through their dynamic creative interpretations.
The Duo also works with student musicians and composers to welcome new ideas, demonstrate, and experience the privilege of exploring together. Some of the recent world premieres of works written for them are by Yunus Gencer (Turkey), Matthew Weaver (China), and Kevin Wilson (USA). The Duo strives to share their career experiences with music students and foster appreciation for classical music, especially among younger audiences. As passionate educators, their hope for the result of this process is to create life-altering and encouraging effects to the community that shares like-minds and passion in music.
Each member has extensive performance experience as a recitalist with strong solo, jazz, popular music and orchestral background. They have won over 20 prestigious competitions combined, most notably the National Flute Association (NFA) Convention Performers Competition, NFA Masterclass Performers Competition, Yamaha Young Performing Artist, Clarinet Colloquium Competition, Mu Phi Epsilon International Concert Artist Competition, and Boston Woodwind Society Flute Competition. Ayca Cetin and Katsuya Yuasa have also performed in other countries such as England, Italy, Kosovo, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Japan. Originally from Turkey and Japan, the members strive to let their different backgrounds create a unique, flavorful, and engaging experience for their listeners.
The two are currently touring in the USA while Ayca is serving as the woodwind coach for Tallahassee Youth Orchestra and Katsuya is the adjunct professor of clarinet at Florida A&M University. They both perform with regional orchestras such as Tallahassee Symphony, Pensacola Symphony, Northwest Florida Symphony and Ocala Symphony Orchestras. Ayca Cetin is a Miyazawa Emerging Artist while Katsuya Yuasa is a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and Mu Phi Epsilon International Concert Artist.