Duo Cortona is a contemporary music ensemble dedicated to the creation of works for its unique instrumentation: mezzo-soprano and violin.  This ensemble explores new sounds and possibilities for its intimate, expressive, and vital combination. We create opportunities for both established and emerging composers through commissions, competitions, educational workshops, university residencies, and major concert performances. 

Duo Cortona was founded at the Cortona Sessions for New Music (Italy) by husband and wife team Ari Streisfeld and Rachel Calloway. Recent seasons include residencies and performances at the University of Notre Dame, University of Missouri (Mizzou), Columbia Museum of Art, Eastman School of Music, University of Pittsburgh Music on the Edge, and Thrive Music Live (Baltimore). Duo Cortona has previously performed on the Southern Exposure Series for New Music (South Carolina), East Carolina New Music Initiative, University of Wisconsin, College of Charleston, New Music New College, with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music, Resonant Bodies Festival, The Stone, the SONiC Festival, New Music on the Point, and Contemporary Undercurrent of Song Project (Princeton).