Duo Amaris
Short bio
Duo Amaris elevate the timeless simplicity of guitar and voice to new heights, winning over audiences with their ‘grand virtuosity and superb interpretations’ (Salzgitter Zeitung). Jesse Flowers’ mastery of the guitar’s rich array of tone colours coupled with Julia Spies’ remarkably clear diction and the pure expressive power of her timbre allows them to bring stories to life that span centuries, from songs by John Dowland to compositions written especially for them.
Both outstanding soloists in their own right, Spies and Flowers formed Duo Amaris, giving nearly 20 recitals as part of the 61. National Concert for Young Artists series and after receiving much praise from audiences and critics alike, have continued to perform together regularly ever since. In April 2020 they released their Debut-CD ‘Nachtstücke’ with the label PASCHENrecords to much critical acclaim, leading Opus Klassiek to write that ‘they form the ideal storytelling duo, the fine line between art song and intuitive freedom practically disappears.’ Their EP ‘Tell Them’ serves as the anticipated follow-up to their debut release, set to launch in the European Spring of 2024.
Their music-making centres around captivating storytelling and wholehearted musicianship, as well as a careful selection of repertoire that touches on themes rarely addressed in the world of classical music. The ability to engage in dialogue, approachability, and humor are integral parts of their collaborative work.
Read the full bio
Duo Amaris elevate the timeless simplicity of guitar and voice to new heights, winning over audiences with their ‘grand virtuosity and superb interpretations’ (Salzgitter Zeitung). Jesse Flowers’ mastery of the guitar’s rich array of tone colours coupled with Julia Spies’ remarkably clear diction and the pure expressive power of her timbre allows them to bring stories to life that span centuries, from songs by John Dowland to compositions written especially for them.
Both acclaimed soloists in their own right, Spies and Flowers met as a result of their individual successes at the German National Music Competition in 2016. They then formed Duo Amaris, giving nearly 20 recitals as part of the 61. National Concert for Young Artists series to acclaim from audiences and critics alike, and have continued to perform together regularly ever since.
In April 2020 they released their Debut-CD ‘Nachtstücke’ with the label PASCHENrecords to much critical acclaim, leading Opus Klassiek to write that ‘they form the ideal storytelling duo, the fine line between strict art song and intuitive freedom practically disappears.’
Their EP ‘Tell Them’ serves as the anticipated follow-up to their debut release, set to launch in the European Spring of 2024. It is a collection of folk songs featuring settings by Lorca, Brahms, and Bartók. The centrepiece of the programme however is the song cycle ,Tell them’ (2023), inspired by the theme of folksong, written specifically for Duo Amaris by Brazilian composer João Luiz. It is set to texts by the Marshallese poet Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, who, in her own words ,explores her culture’s rich storytelling and how it intersects and dialogues with evolving issues threatening the Marshall Islands’, concentrating on themes such as cultural belonging, home(lessness), womanhood and climate justice.
Mission statement
Our mission is to create moving experiences for our audiences through heartfelt musicianship and compelling storytelling. We carefully select repertoire that brings out the best in our instrumentation, and are committed to presenting new arrangements and original works by living composers. Furthermore, we aspire to continually broaden our own horizons while also expanding those of our audiences.
Central to this ambition is our wish to elevate voices and stories that have traditionally been underrepresented, and that touch upon themes rarely addressed in the world of classical music. We enjoy talking to the audience from the stage, and also off it, in the from of artist talks or meet and greets. Approachability, embracing dialogue and a sense of humour are fundamental to our collaborative work.
Press kit
You can download our presskit here. It includes our biography and a selection of press-released portraits.
Unique concert programmes
Our programmes are composed of the stories we want to tell, music that brings out the best in our instrumentation, as well as compositions and arrangements that inspire us. We often find ourselves traversing the fine line between folk & art song. We enjoy talking to the audience from the stage, and also off it, in the from of artist talks or meet and greets.
Experience Duo Amaris live
We would love to see you at one of our concerts! Here you will find details about our upcoming performances and all other events, follow this page to stay up to date with what we’re up to, and where it is happening.
Listen and watch
Dive deeper into our musical world. Here you can discover our latest videos and releases, as well as interviews with us.
Schubert - Nachtstück
from: Nachtstücke (CD, 2020)
Debussy - Les Angélus
from: Nachtstücke (CD, 2020)
Falla - Polo
from: Nachtstücke (CD, 2020)
