Works TBD.
As Duo Axis, flutist Zach Sheets and pianist Wei-Han Wu present vibrant performances of music both new and old. We champion the thrilling potential of authentic duo playing, and the unbridled possibilities of flute and piano collaboration. We have performed throughout the US and Europe, in recitals, teaching engagements, and community-based events.
We frame our 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. 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.
Duo Axis projects have been funded by the Copland Fund, Ditson Fund, Koussevitzky Foundation, Barlow Endowment, and more.
Sought after for recitals and residencies, Duo Axis has been featured by a wide range of presenters, including University of California Davis, Brown University, University of Chicago, the Community Music Center of Boston, the Knutson Masters Series (Sioux Falls, SD), EQ Concerts (Boston, MA), Æpex Contemporary Performance (Ann Arbor, MI), Houston Flute Club (Houston, TX), nth degree chamber series (Cape Cod, MA), Valencia International Performance Academy (Spain), and more. Engagements in the lead-up to the COVID closure included teaching and performing at Augustana University, Avaloch Farm Music Institute, University at Buffalo, the Creative Arts Initiative (CAI), and Buffalo String Works.
We began collaborating in 2014: Duo Axis’ first major project took place in 2016, touring the Midwest and East Coast in a series of concerts featuring new works and premieres, with the generous support of a New Music USA Grant. We have collaborated closely with many important early-career composers, including Tonia Ko (Guggenheim Fellow, 2018); Katherine Balch (Composer-in-residence, Young Concert Artists and California Symphony); Anthony Vine (1st Prize, Gaudeamus Competition, 2016); Gabriel Bolaños, Clay Mettens, Ashkan Behzadi, and more. For a list of upcoming events, visit: https://www.duoaxis.com/when