Postcards: From Isaac Albeniz to John Williams

ARTISTS

Duo Aster

Clio Theodoridis, saxophone
Jonathan Nemtanu, piano

The musicians of Duo Aster—saxophonist Clio Theodoridis and pianist Jonathan Nemtanu—invite you to explore the world of classical music as they take you on a journey around the globe. Through Spanish, Hellenic, and Arab sonorities and across different eras, Duo Aster reveals the beauty of the saxophone and the depth of the piano. Experience the splendour of works by Isaac Albéniz, Pedro Itturalde, and Alexis Ciesla in this musical adventure.

A FIRST LOOK AT THE REPERTOIRE*

ISSAC ALBENIZ (1860-1909)
Asturias
LISTEN

ALEXIS CIESLA (né en 1967)
Ocres Rouges
3^e mouvement
LISTEN

ITURRALDE PEDRO (1929-2020)
Suite Hellénique
III. Valse
LISTEN

BIOGRAPHY

The Duo Aster embodies the union of two dynamic and talented musicians: Clio Theodoridis, saxophonist, and Jonathan Nemtanu, pianist. After dedicating many years to perfecting their craft at Europe’s most prestigious conservatories, they chose to continue their quest for knowledge at the University of Montreal. This endeavor aimed to open new horizons, draw inspiration, and reach the pinnacle of their art as performers.

The duo now performs across Canada, France, Greece, and China at various concerts and festivals, such as the Aegean International Arts Festival, the Festival Intime de Musique des Bergeronnes, the Rendez-vous Musicaux de Laterrière, and the 2024 Shanghai International Arts Festival.

An essential mission of Duo Aster is to spark young people’s interest in classical music. In this regard, they have collaborated with the concert series ‘Le Baptême,’ performing for over 2,000 students aged 7 to 13 from the Saguenay region, and offered a concert dedicated to young children, titled ‘Mélodies et Gazouillis.’

Today, the duo strives to enhance the reputation of classical saxophone in Quebec and beyond. Often perceived in other contexts, Aster aims to reveal the beauty and sonic richness of this instrument. They perform original compositions for saxophone as well as transcribed works, primarily drawn from the masterpieces of the contemporary Romantic period.

* JMC reserves the right to modify the repertoire without prior notice.