www.arielartists.com · [email protected]Duo Orfeo guitar duo Photo by Jenn Burdick biography Deeply enamored with the sonority of their cho- sen instrument and relentlessly searching out the music most in harmony with their expressive sensibilities, Duo Orfeo brings to life a world of sound that is intimate, charming, subtle and haunting. Embracing a repertoire of compositions from largely forgotten byways of western musical tradition both past and present, and approaching this rare and diverse music through the medium of the classical guitar, Duo Orfeo creates perfor- mances and recordings that composer David Macbride has described as “the embodiment of grace and beauty.” Joseph Ricker and Jamie Balmer met in 2001 as students of Phillip de Fremery, a pupil of Andrés Segovia and a beloved and admired teacher of the guitar. Discovering a musical kinship, the two began playing together. They recorded “The Grace Sessions” in 2005, which includes music of Bach, Brahms, Boccherini and Albéniz. Following a brief hiatus during which Joe and Jamie finished their degrees, at the Hartt School and Hampshire College respectively, they formed Duo Orfeo in 2007. Duo Orfeo has since performed throughout New England and in New York City. They have been hosted on the concert rosters of Trinity Church in Hartford, CT, Grace Church in Amherst, MA, Boston’s Taylor House, Bates College’s Tuesday Noonday Series, Brooklyn Emerging Artists, and the Brookline Library Music Association. Additionally Duo Orfeo has appeared in art galleries, jazz cafés, farmers’ markets, and other venues not traditionally associated with classical music performance. The duo has also been coached in master classes by maestros Oscar Ghiglia, Elena Papandreou, and the Assad Brothers. The summer of 2009 saw the release of their album Duo Orfeo, featuring music of Federico Mompou, Eric Satie, Frédéric Chopin, and others. It is the vision of Duo Orfeo to be a voice unlike any other in the chamber music world, a vision actualized through their choice of repertoire and their performance style. The duo sees the act of seeking out and selecting repertoire as deeply personal and essential— literally as an act of composition. As such, it can only be bound by the limits of the imagination. With this creed in mind, Duo Orfeo programs the works for guitar duo that speak to them most directly alongside boldly innovative arrangements. Whether playing pieces from the repertoire of the Italian lute, French clavecin, impressionist piano, or Ukrainian art song, they view the arrangement of music written for other ensembles as a vital communion with those works, never a diminution of them. In performance, Duo Orfeo is committed to making a direct appeal to the audience. This commitment is rooted in their belief that anyone, with or without a background in classical music, can come to a Duo Orfeo performance and connect with what is heard. Their programming choices and performance style reflect that devotion.
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guitar duo - arielartists.com · guitar duo Photo by Jenn Burdick biography Deeply enamored with the sonority of their cho-sen instrument and relentlessly searching out the music
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It is always a pleasure to hear Duo Orfeo play. While both players are fine musicians in their own right, together, they have a synergy which transports the listener. This quality led me to hire them to perform at the national conference of the Association of Anglican Musicians. This distinguished audience was mesmerized by their playing and many commented that hearing Duo Orfeo was one of the highlights of the conference!
- Bert Landman, Music Director Trinity Episcopal Church, Hartford, CT
It is with a great deal of pleasure and anticipation that I recommend the newly emerging classical guitar team Duo Orfeo whose two members, Joseph Ricker and Jamie Balmer, though each in full possession of the capabilities and understanding necessary for independent solo careers, are choosing instead to pool their magnificent resources and bring to us repertoire which could not be played by a soloist.
For many years I have known them both as highly talented and disciplined individual players, and I have witnessed more recently the gradual expansion of their vision for Duo Orfeo.
This is an ensemble of very high value. I congratulate them on their great promise, for marvelous deeds already done, and especially on the deep commitment they have unflinchingly established together. Bravo.
- Phillip de Fremery, classical guitarist
To collaborate with these artists of the highest sensitivity was a great pleasure. The Duo Orfeo embodies grace and beauty, playing a distinctive repertoire from both the past and present.
- David Macbride, composer
Duo Orfeo played at my art gallery and it was the perfect concert for the venue. The intertwining melodies and harmonies were thrilling. I loved how Joe and Jamie’s easygoing and friendly manner helped make the audience relaxed and happy. They also graciously chatted with my guests before and after the show. I would certainly have them again for both ambient music as well as for formal concerts.
- Kalman Gacs, Founder and Director of True Gallery, Needham, MA
The most encouraging aspect of Duo Orfeo performances is the tangible sense that each and every time they play they are determined not only to engage each listener but also entertain them! For me, this is one of the few young guitar ensembles to watch and listen for in the next few seasons. I would encourage any arts presenter with an appropriate space for classical guitar to find a creative way to challenge, advance and ultimately book this duo as soon as possible... - Seth Warner, Manager The Olin Arts Center, Bates College, Lewiston, ME