Duo Refracta Tickets

Duo Refracta is a dynamic contemporary classical duo formed by pianist Shaoai Ashley Zhang and percussionist Michael Jones. Known for their adventurous approach to emerging composers and modernist repertoire, they bring a vivid, expressive voice to the concert stage. Their work blends meticulous craftsmanship with fearless exploration, pushing the boundaries of what piano and percussion can express together.

Based in the United States, Duo Refracta actively champions new music through performances, commissions, and collaborations with living composers. Their programming emphasizes living voices and influential modernist works, inviting audiences to experience the textures and rhythms of 21st-century composition.

Highlights from their discography showcase their commitment to contemporary language. Bodies of Water (2024) and Illuminations (2024), released on Sawyer Editions, feature premieres and commissioned pieces that emphasize color, texture, and spatial sound. The duo also maintains an ongoing presence on Sawyer Editions Bandcamp, where listeners can explore their recordings and learn about the composers they champion.

Key achievements include Shaoai Zhang’s receipt of the prestigious John Cage Award at NEC and her recognition as the 2024 Emerging Artist of Piano Spheres. These honors reflect their impact on the new music scene and their dedication to expanding the repertoire for piano and percussion.

Upcoming engagements in 2025 bring Duo Refracta to stages across the U.S., including ISU Normal, IL (January 2025); CalArts (February 8, 2025); Frequency Series Chicago Debut (April 2025); and New Music Chicago events (April 2025). Secure your seats to experience their fresh interpretations, fearless technical prowess, and collaborative chemistry that defines Duo Refracta.