Counting down to NFA

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In just a few short weeks, we’ll be performing at the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention in Chicago. It’s always an honor to be invited to perform at the NFA and this year is no exception since we’ll be unveiling our newly commissioned piece to the flute world. Although we officially premiered Danny Felsenfeld’s “Blister and Wow” back in April in an intimate house concert, this upcoming performance at NFA feels like the big premier. If you’re a flutist, and you’re planning to attend the convention, mark your calendars, and come and hear us perform this terrific new work. It’s truly a one of a kind piece, and to our knowledge, there’s nothing else out there like it! What makes it so unique you wonder? It’s an 11-ish minute work in 3 movements, for 2 flutists and piano. But here’s the kicker: each flute player switches back and forth between flute, piccolo, and alto flute throughout the piece. It’s very exciting, to say the least, and not that we’re biased or anything, but it’s a really great piece! OK, so when and where at the NFA Convention, can you hear us perform this awesome piece? Friday, August 8th, 2:45 pm in the Williford Room. The concert is entitled “Trios, Anyone?”  Hope to see you there!

Miles, Amy, Rena, and Danny after the premier of Blister and Wow. Danny will be joining us for the performance at the NFA, too!
Miles, Amy, Rena, and Danny after the premier of Blister and Wow. Danny will be joining us for the performance at the NFA, too!

Rocket Hub Launch starts …. NOW!

We’re super excited about our commissioning project with the brilliant Daniel Felsenfeld, “Blister and Wow.” The three movement work, for two flutes and piano, will give us the golden opportunity to do what we love to do most; play flute, piccolo AND alto flute all on one great piece! Can’t wait! 

Please consider making a contribution here: http://www.rockethub.com/projects/30463-blister-wow-contribute-to-the-alcyone-ensemble-felsenfeld-commission

THANKS!!!!   Amy & Rena

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New work in progress!

Could it be? Yes, it could. Something’s coming. Something good!”

We’re over the moon with this announcement! We are commissioning Daniel Felsenfeld to write a super amazing piece for us.  This shouldn’t be too terribly difficult because Daniel is a super amazing composer.  The work will showcase us doing what we love to do (and do pretty darn well, if we do say so ourselves!); playing flute, alto flute and piccolo!

Stay tuned for more news on this subject.  All we can say for now is … YES!

How we came up with our name

Alcyone in classical Greek mythology was one of the Pleiades, the “seven sisters”. The seven sisters were the daughters of Atlas (one of the Titans) and Pleione (a Nymph). Their names: Alcyone, Maya, Asterope, Merope, Electra, Taygeta and Celaeno.

Another Alcyone occurs in some ancient Greek myths. She was the daughter of Aeolus, “Ruler of the Winds”, and Enarete. In this myth, she was married to Ceyx – and they were so enthralled with their union that they dared to called themselves Zeus and Hera – for which presumption, Zeus turned them into birds.

In astronomy, Alycone is the “central” (as appears from Earth) and brightest star of the Pleiades – an “open cluster” of blue-white stars in the constellation of Taurus.

So, how does this apply to Amy and Rena, you might ask?  Well, we both have sisters – Amy has two and Rena has seven.  Then there is the whole “ruler of the winds” thing.  As wind players, that seems pretty obvious.  As for the astronomical reference, it’s nice to think of ourselves as the “brightest star(s).”

Add to that our affiliation with Andover Educators, our initials would also be A.E.  It all seemed to come together beautifully. That, and we liked name!