DUO ASTER
Chamber Music Saxophone-Piano
WHO ARE WE?
Duo Aster, composed of saxophonist Clio Theodoridis and pianist Jonathan Nemtanu, brings together two artists with diverse backgrounds, trained in prestigious European conservatories, then at the University of Montreal.
The duo explores a rich and contrasting repertoire, ranging from original works for classical saxophone to transcriptions of contemporary romanticism. Their artistic approach also opens up to music from various cultural traditions, from klezmer to oriental music, in dialogue with contemporary classical music.
They perform regularly in Canada, Europe and China, in festivals and institutions such as Jeunesses Musicales Canada, Place des Arts in Montreal, the Aegean International Arts Festival (Greece) and the Jiangsu Theater (China).
Alongside their artistic activities, the duo is actively involved in cultural mediation and education, with the desire to share their passion with new audiences. They have notably introduced more than 2,000 students to classical music with the Le Baptême concert series, and presented a concert for early childhood entitled Mélodies et Gazouillis.
Clio Theodoridis
Clio Theodoridis is a saxophonist of Greek origin known for the finesse and intensity of her playing. Holder of a Master's degree in music (exceptional mention) from the University of Montreal, she also studied at the Conservatoire de Lyon and the Académie Supérieure de Musique de Strasbourg, where she obtained diplomas in performance and teaching.
Based in Quebec, she plays with the Duo Aster, teaches at the Conservatoire de musique de Saguenay and the Académie Internationale du Domaine Forget, and serves as an ambassador for Henri Selmer Paris. A winner of several competitions, including the Stockholm International Music Competition (3rd prize), she performs on prestigious stages in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Jonathan Nemtanu
Jonathan Nemtanu is a pianist renowned for his refined playing and artistic commitment. Trained at the Bordeaux Conservatory, the University of Vienna, and the University of Montreal, he earned a doctorate in performance (with honors), followed by a master's degree in arts management from HEC Montreal. Active in Quebec and internationally, he performs as a soloist and chamber musician in prestigious venues such as Radio France, Orford Musique, and the Jiangsu Grand Théâtre, and collaborates with artists such as Nicolas Ellis and Julie Boulianne.
Both a performer and cultural leader, he has taught at the Conservatoire de musique de Saguenay, served on various juries, and directed the Le Baptême series. He is currently the executive director of the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal, where he combines his passion for music with a strong entrepreneurial vision.
Concerts Passés
