Æolian Duo

The Æolian Duo, harp duo, was founded in 1997. Both well-established soloists Lurana Lubello and Floraleda Sacchi earned diplomas, with honours, in Italy before continuing their studies with famous artists such as Judy Loman, Alice Giles, Judith Liber and Alice Chalifoux at the University of Toronto, the Musikhochschule in Frankfurt and the renowned Salzedo School in Camden, Maine. Both artists have received numerous prizes at T.I.M. and at competitions, especially those for contemporary music. Since 1995 Lurana Lubello has been principal harpist of the World Orchestra. Floraleda Sacchi has worked with the Orchestra Giovanile Italiana. Moreover, both harpists have appeared in various chamber music formations, such as flute-harp duo, harp quartet, voice-harp duo, and septet, as well as in numerous ensembles for contemporary music.

To broaden the harp repertoire and to demonstrate the harp's potential, Lurana Lubello and Floraleda Sacchi have transcribed many pieces for two harps. (Lurana Lubello studied composition at Milan Conservatory at the same time Floraleda Sacchi studied musicology there.) Through these efforts, they have developed a repertoire that is rich in special timbres and technically demanding. The result has been critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences. The common fundament of the Salzedo School has allowed them to realise the inexhaustible tonal potential of the harp, and to liberate it from its stereotyped image.

The Æolian Duo presents compositions by Bernard Andrès and Carlos Salzedo. (Lubello and Sacchi are the only harpists who perform the original version of Salzedo's Pentacle Suite, following the autograph manuscript.) But they also play works of classical composers such as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and Cesar Franck. A part of their repertoire is made up of music of a more popular nature, for example that of Scott Joplin, George Gershwin and Pearl Chertok. Since 1998 the duo has also involved itself in unusual formations such as two harps and soprano, employing arrangements of works by Manuel De Falla, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Claude Debussy and Henri Duparc.

The Æolian Duo has appeared in Italy, Germany, France and the USA, astonishing and delighting its audiences every time.

Programs:

Dance Rhythms

French Music for Two Harps

Jazz & Entertainment