Duo Exaudi featuring René Izquierdo and
featuring René Izquierdo & Elina Chekan
September 13, 2024 in A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Belarusian guitarist Elina Chekan and Cuban guitarist Rene Izquierdo have been playing as a duo since 2012. The couple first met at Yale University when they were both pursuing post‐graduate degrees, studying with acclaimed professor Benjamin Verdery. Duo Exaudi was created out of the desire of both guitarists to join forces in their creative endeavors, and work towards increasing and exploring the guitar repertoire in this new medium.
As a duo they have performed in major concert venues in the United States, Russia and Europe to great critical acclaim. Both award winning artists, they are together a tour de force. Duo Exaudi’s commitment to contemporary music and to the expansion of the guitar repertoire has led them to collaborations with composers such as Jorge Morel, Carlos Rafael Rivera, Colette Mourey, and Carl Schimmel.
Raised for their phrasing and musical sensitivity, Duo Exaudi’s playing is technically superb, well balanced and exceptionally musical.
About René
Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Whether passionately performing on stage, devotedly mentoring his students, fundraising, or leading community outreach, René’s multi-faceted approach endeavors to continue creating experiences that enrich people’s lives and add beauty to our world.
Through his “unforgettable versatility, sensitivity and sublime musicianship” (Classical Guitar Magazine), René has firmly established himself as one of the world’s classical guitar virtuosos. He is celebrated for his ability to weave an unparalleled technical command of his instrument with his gift of storytelling, accomplishing an intimate musical experience with his audience.
With over seventy engagements per year, whether as a solo performer, chamber musician, or as a guest soloist with orchestras, he has performed to critical acclaim touring extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He is frequently invited by renowned festivals and institutions, having played at stages such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Manaus Opera House in Brazil, and National Recital Hall in Taiwan.
Self-described as a lifelong learner and explorer, his recording projects reflect his wide-ranging interests. Through his discography, René seeks to expand the guitar repertoire frequently performing new arrangements, lesser-known music of the 20th century as well as world premieres of concertos and new compositions.
As an educator, René is passionate about engaging the mind and the heart. Through his teachings all around the world, he shares his belief that the greatest musicians not only have the technical mastery to communicate effectively but also are deeply curious, and equally adept at analytical and emotional modes of thought.
“Flawless technique weeded to a perfectly refined aesthetic sensibility… notes are etched in place with gorgeous sound and infallible musical direction” ⎼ Soundboard Magazine
About Elina
Native of Minsk, Belarus, Elina Chekan graduated from Belarus National Academy of Music with a degree in Classical Guitar Performance, Orchestral Conducting and Guitar Pedagogy. Elina continued her education in the United States, holding a Master of Music from Yale University and a Doctorate degree from Northwestern University.
Combining active performance and teaching careers, Ms. Chekan performs, teaches master classes and gives lectures at festivals, colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad both as a solo performer and in the Duo Exaudi with her life-long partner Rene Izquierdo.
Some of the recent appearances include Wilson Center International Guitar Competition, Madison Guitar Society Festival, Chamber Music Milwaukee Series, Brno Guitar Festival, Mannes Guitar Festival in New York City, Romanillos Foundation Series in Spain, Altamira Series in China, Brussels Royal Museum of Musical Instrument in Belgium, Tucson Classical Guitar Society, and Mannes College Guitar Festival in New York.
Ms. Chekan is a co-creator of the Camino Artes Guitar Workshop at the ancient pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago in Spain,
where participants have daily master classes and performances at churches circa X-XIII centuries.
Elina actively collaborates with composers to expand guitar’s modern repertoire. Renowned Argentinean composer Jorge Morel dedicated his “Campañas” to Ms. Chekan, published by Mell Bay in “The Magnificent Guitar of Jorge Morel”.
Elina Chekan is currently a faculty member at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In her teaching Ms. Chekan believes in the individualized approach to every student with tailored instruction based on student needs. Elina has extensive knowledge of guitar pedagogy and repertoire and has experienced first-hand different guitar schools of thought. She is also a certified Suzuki instructor. Her extensive teaching experience allows her to find unique approaches and repertoire for each of her students, giving them a solid foundation both in technique and musicianship.
Elina performs on Savarez strings and is a Savarez artist.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ECU’s ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.