Hailed as “a pair of adventurous young talents” (Time Out New York), the dynamic Canellakis-Brown Duo presents innovative programs that combine original compositions and arrangements with modern masterpieces and classics from the standard repertory. Comprised of cellist Nicholas Canellakis and pianist/composer Michael Brown, the duo captivates audiences and presenters alike through its superb musicianship and engaging presentations.
Upcoming projects include a new work for cello/piano and film depicting the great city of New York. The piece is being created entirely by the ensemble, with Mr. Brown as composer and Mr. Canellakis as filmmaker, and is set to premiere in Spring 2013. In 2012-13, the Duo is ensemble-in-residence at Barbès in Brooklyn, where it has performed regularly over the past two seasons.
In addition to performing as a recital duo, Mr. Canellakis and Mr. Brown produce and star in an original YouTube comedy series called “Conversations with Nick Canellakis” in which they conduct satirical interviews with stars of the classical music world.
Expand Complete BioNicholas Canellakis and Michael Brown are affiliated with some of the most prestigious arts organizations in New York City. Nicholas Canellakis, known for his “rich, alluring tone” (The New York Times), is a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Two, is a regular performer at Bargemusic, and was a member of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble ACJW. Michael Brown is an artist of Concert Artists Guild, having won the First Prize in the 2010 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. After soloing with New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert, he was hailed as a “vividly characterized and rhythmically free-spirited” pianist by The New York Times. Between the two of them, they have performed at some of the most prominent music festivals in the world, including Music@Menlo, Ravinia, Marlboro, Tanglewood, Santa Fe, Verbier, Caramoor, Aspen, and Mecklenburg.
Mr. Brown is an accomplished composer whose works have been performed internationally. He has written two works for Mr. Canellakis, one for cello and piano inspired by Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Five A.M.” and one for solo cello which received its world premiere at Bargemusic in 2012.
Filmmaking is a special interest of Mr. Canellakis. In addition to “Conversations with Nick Canellakis,” he has produced and directed music videos and fictional shorts which can be found online on his YouTube channel.
