Duo Axis (Zach Sheets, flute, and Wei-Han Wu, piano) frequently collaborate with composers to create new works and foster a spirit of innovation and reciprocity. In this, their first of two programs while in residence at UC Davis they present a set of world premieres by graduate student composers at UC Davis. The second program takes place on Friday, April 8, at 7:00 pm, called “Duo@50,” which is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of a particular Aaron Copland duet.

Program

Emily Joy Sullivan: shedding blue sparks​

Joseph Donald Peterson: Bare Bones

Joseph Vasinda: Under Cover of Night

Bryndan Moondy: Glint

Dean Kervin Boursiquot: Speak for yo’ self!

Free
a Shinkoskey Noon Concert

• Campus community (students, staff, or faculty) must show a cleared Daily Symptom Survey at the door.
• Others [age 12 and older] must show proof of COVID vaccination or a negative COVID test result at the door.
• Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.
• Please take a moment to read the details on requirements for our attendees.
• Direct link to the livestream.

As Duo Axis, flutist Zach Sheets and pianist Wei-Han Wu present vibrant performances that champion the thrilling potential of authentic duo playing and the unbridled possibilities of flute and piano collaboration. They frame their work as an open-ended question of how a troupe of two—trained as flutist and pianist—can make vivid and three-dimensional performances that emerge from conventional musical practice and go beyond it. Duo Axis frequently works closely with composers to create new works and foster a spirit of innovation and reciprocity. We establish long-term partnerships to create vivid and unique works well tailored to our artistic vision, while contributing meaningfully to our field’s ever-expanding body of exceptional repertoire.

Sought after for recitals and residencies, the duo has been presented by a wide range of institutions, including at the University of Chicago, the Creative Arts Initiative (Buffalo), University at Buffalo, Augustana University and the Knutson Masters Series (Sioux Falls), EQ Concerts (Boston), Æpex Contemporary Performance (Ann Arbor), Houston Flute Club (Houston), nth degree chamber series (Cape Cod), the Valencia International Performance Academy (Spain), and more. As individuals, they hold degrees from Eastman, Northwestern, University of Michigan, and Harvard, and have performed at the Tanglewood, Castleton, Aspen, and Spoleto Festivals.