Duo-Y, established in 2022 and headquartered in NC, is a dynamic Percussion and Saxophone Duo founded by percussionist Xin Yin and saxophonist Dr. Jia-Yu Yang, during their pursuit of Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Duo-Y is propelled by a mutual dedication to the rich tapestry of Eastern and Western musical traditions, with a primary focus on expanding the boundaries of musical exploration through exemplary performances. Our mission encompasses the promotion of diverse musical expressions, particularly highlighting compositions by Asian composers. Collaborating closely with contemporary composers, our duo endeavors to enrich and diversify the repertoire, showcasing the versatile capabilities of our instrumental pairing.
The name “Duo-Y” originates from the initial letters of our surnames, symbolizing a harmonious partnership. This imagery embodies the concept of two equal, symmetrical lines stemming from a shared origin, encapsulating the collaborative spirit and unity between Xin Yin and Jia-Yu Yang.
Composer Marc Mellits extolled our rendition of his composition Escape for Alto Sax and Marimba, expressing,
“I am truly impressed; it’s one of the finest interpretations of Escape I have encountered. Your mastery of the final movement is astonishing… It’s rare to hear performers realize exactly what I envision. Escape presents significant challenges, yet you make it sound effortless.”
Duo-Y has performed at renowned venues, including Internasonal de Percusion in Columbia, the International Saxophone Symposium, and the 64th Annual NCMEA Conference. Currently, our debut album, titled Unrestrained, is in progress and slated for release in Fall 2024.
Event posters from the past
