The Cavatina Duo, composed of the Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and the Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagić, is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding flute and guitar duos in the world. Celebrated for their virtuosity, expressive depth and extraordinary musical rapprochement, their performances have captivated audiences around the world and have received praise from the most prestigious critics.
Eugenia Moliner has been described by Flute Talk as “an artist of the highest level” and has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Lanyang Symphony, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Camerata Serbica. She has also collaborated with internationally renowned musicians and formations such as Stefan Ragnar Höskuldsson, Mathieu Dufour, the Avalon and Pacifica quartets, and the Aspen Trio. Her discography includes 13 albums; the most recent, Song to the Moon, is a piano collaboration with works by Mahler, Schubert and Medtner.
Denis Azabagić is considered one of the most distinguished classical guitarists of his generation. Winner of 24 international competitions, he has performed as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Madrid Symphony Orchestra, the Casals Quartet, as well as with the Avalon and Pacifica quartets, among others. Soundboard magazine praised his “impeccable technique and deep musical understanding.” His extensive discography includes 17 CDs and two DVDs, and his book on stage anxiety has become a must-have reference for musicians.
About the Duo, Gramophone magazine wrote: “Eugenia Moliner displays a twinkling spell… her lines, loaded with youthful innocence, dance on the gently throbbing chords of Denis Azabagić. The result is natural and effortless seduction.”
The Duo have made a significant contribution to the development of the repertoire for flute and guitar by commissioning about 30 new works to outstanding contemporary composers. Their recordings reflect this commitment to innovation and include Sephardic Journey, Folias and Fantasias and most recently, River of Fire , in collaboration with the Pacifica Quartet. This album, inspired by the music and legacy of the Roma diaspora, has been enthusiastically received by critics for its fusion of cultural traditions and emotional narrative.
In this concert, the blending of flute and guitar by the Cavatina Duo will take our musical spirit on a flight of delight via pieces by Marin Marais, Alan Thomas (commissioned by and dedicated to the Cavatina Duo), Debussy (solo flute), David Leisner, Tárrega (solo guitar), and Piazzola, ending with Arban’s show-stopping “Fantaisie brillante” (themes from Bizet’s Carmen).
At 2 pm, hear a preconcert lecture by Brent Stevens presented courtesy of the Los Alamos Arts Council.
The Cavatina Duo will help us celebrate our 80th season by treating school youth to a music education program the day after the concert.
“This pair is generally considered to be the best of them [flute and guitar duos].”
—The New Yorker
“If guitarist Denis Azabagić and flutist Eugenia Moliner set out to amaze their audience then it was a job swiftly accomplished… The two musicians perform seamlessly together, firing our imaginations with exotic new sounds…”
—Sarasota Herald Tribune
Presenting World Class Artists since 1946.
Presenting World Class Artists since 1946.