Full Biography
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Duo Sequenza’s dynamic performances have received enthusiastic ovations from audiences throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Comprised of flutist Debra Silvert, flutist and classical guitarist Paul Bowman, the duo's first commercial album, "Yes... It's Thing," released on the Navona Records label in late April 2019 to international critical acclaim.
The 2015-16 season marked Duo Sequenza’s long-anticipated return to concertizing after a long hiatus during which Silvert homeschooled her four children, and Bowman continued his high flying career trajectory without her! Hitting the ground running, they founded a three-concert annual Chamber Music Series at the magnificent, historic Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana, where they are the chamber music Ensemble-in-Residence. Duo Sequenza was honored to perform at the National Flute Association's Annual Convention, the largest, most anticipated flute event in the world, with thousands of flutists attending. This 2016 San Diego performance included the World Premiere of Gary Schocker's Crystal Healing written to commemorate Silvert's 1816 crystal Laurent flute! In January 2019, they were invited to perform at the Flute New Music Consortium's Inaugural New Music Festival in Stony Brook, N.Y. |
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Duo Sequenza has been awarded numerous grants for its innovative programs from South Shore Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, Arts Midwest, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Their 1990 tour of Asia and Europe consisted of classical concerts throughout Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland and the Netherlands, highlighted by their formal European Debut at the Palais de L’Athenee in Geneva at The European International Festival that summer. Only thirty artists were selected for this honor, from an applicant pool of more than 1400. Much of the Duo’s domestic touring was underwritten by the Presenter Touring Programs of the Indiana Arts Commission and Arts Midwest. From 1989 until 1992, Duo Sequenza were the Artists in Residence at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. Chosen to present the New Composer’s Concert at the Bar Harbor (Maine) Music Festival, it was there that they gave the world premiere of their first commission, Rondo Caprice, Op. 35 by the iconic Easley Blackwood.
Click here for our most recent brief biography (3 versions given).
Their 1990 tour of Asia and Europe consisted of classical concerts throughout Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland and the Netherlands, highlighted by their formal European Debut at the Palais de L’Athenee in Geneva at The European International Festival that summer. Only thirty artists were selected for this honor, from an applicant pool of more than 1400. Much of the Duo’s domestic touring was underwritten by the Presenter Touring Programs of the Indiana Arts Commission and Arts Midwest. From 1989 until 1992, Duo Sequenza were the Artists in Residence at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana. Chosen to present the New Composer’s Concert at the Bar Harbor (Maine) Music Festival, it was there that they gave the world premiere of their first commission, Rondo Caprice, Op. 35 by the iconic Easley Blackwood.
Click here for our most recent brief biography (3 versions given).
Composers' Accolades
"Thanks so much for the exotic array of programs. I feel honored to have been represented by you in so many places!" “There is nothing more fulfilling to me than a close collaboration with performers in the making of a new composition. The conversations with Duo Sequenza as my South Shore Suite was being designed were fundamental in shaping this new work. It is wonderful for a composer to have such talented and expressive musicians at my disposal. It makes the process of composition a deeply enjoyable one!” "...delighted with your performance of my piece. It was a great first performance of a very difficult work!" "A composer’s work is only realized through the sensitivity, insight, and imagination of the performers’ artistry.I could wish for no better fulfillment of my music than through the artistry of Duo Sequenza.” |
“Duo Sequenza premiered a new arrangement of my work Farlorn Alemen for alto flute and guitar. I met with Debra earlier and was impressed not only by her beautiful tone and naturally musical playing, but her dedication to excellent preparation and embodying the music's intent. The duo's interpretation was sensitive, intelligent and deeply moving.” “Congrats to the Duo Sequenza for their wonderful artistry and innovative commissioning and programming. Hearing the crystal Laurent flute is a real time warp!” "What an absolutely marvelous concert! You folks can play -- and play beautifully -- whatever you're given...You're a very talented pair!" "If you think flute and guitar sound like a tame pairing, think again. Silvert and Bowman can turn it up to eleven, traversing everything in between with ease. Let Duo Sequenza introduce you to this fascinating sound world and all of its expressive, colorful possibilities.” |
