Intertwining strings
World renowned guitar and violin duo will perform Monday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Duo46
Married couple Beth Schneider-Gould and Matt Gould have been performing as Duo46 for almost 13 years. The name “Duo46” refers to the four strings on a violin and the six strings on a guitar. |
By Kirstie Hettinga
The Collegian
While the combination of violin and guitar is not rare, Duo46 is a rare mix of tradition, fresh styling and longevity.
The duo consists of violinist Beth Schneider-Gould and guitarist Matt Gould. The duo has been playing together for more than 13 years. They met at the University of Arizona where both were graduate teaching assistants.
“That was the start of everything, and we’re married now,” Matt Gould said in a phone interview.
Duo46 was established when the Goulds discovered unrecorded works written for guitar and violin.
Professor Corey Whitehead said the couple is known worldwide for their commissioning of new works.
“They have such a good reputation that people are dedicating works to them,” Whitehead said.
Gould said most of the works the duo performs are written for them. He said it is important that the works they perform are not geared for academic audiences. “It is important that people want to listen to it,” he said.
When the duo tries new music, they are looking for melodies that people can relate to.
“We look for music that is beautiful sounding,” Gould said.
Whitehead said the duo is unique because of their commissioned works and because of how long they have been together.
“Each one could be a soloist, could have a career of their own,” Whitehead said.
“It is also rare a duo would be together so long as their primary focus of their career,” he said.
The duo has been a visiting resident ensemble at universities across America and has just returned to the states after a five-year stint at the Eastern Mediterranean University in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Duo46 will perform Feb. 6 in the Concert Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, $7 for faculty and staff and $5 for seniors and students.
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