CLINTON — Presbyterian College will host the musical performance of Duo Astralis in Edmunds Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29.
Duo Astralis is an innovative and dynamic pair of musicians who have performed throughout the United States. The group is made of Angela Massey on flute, and Vahan Sargsyan on piano.
Duo Astralis was formed to create unique programs centered on a unifying theme found in nature or music. Their original program “The Elements,” included works relating to the classical elements of earth, water, wind, and fire.
Another focus of the ensemble is to support the development of art through new compositions and bring recognition to the composers that surround us today.
The group’s program at PC is entitled “International Songs and Dances” and includes works by Arakelian, Bartok, Larson, Piazzolla, Chopin, Taktakishvili, the Chant de Limos by Jolivet, and a world premiere of a work written for Duo Astralis by a composer from Armenia. There will be an encore by Rachmaninoff that is not listed in the program.
Massey has presented recitals at venues including the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City and the National Flute Association Convention. Outside of the United States, she has performed in England, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Switzerland. In regards to chamber music, she is a founding member of the Continuo Collective of the South, Duo Astralis, and the Massey Duo.
Sargsyan holds graduate and post-graduate degrees from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatoire where he studied with honorary teacher of Armenia, Elza Tandilyan, and his father, renowned pianist Villi Sargsyan.
In 1991, Sargsyan was named laureate of the International Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By the Pittsburgh Concert Society, he was selected several times as a winner in the solo and chamber music categories. Sargsyan has concertized in Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Russia, Austria, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and Canada.