Flannau and Quijote Duos unite for ‘Hammer & Bow’ concert at Elgin Church
Acclaimed chamber music performers Flannau Duo and Quijote Duo will appear together in the next installment of First Congregational’s 2026 Lenten Concert Series.
On Sunday, March 15, the pair of duos will re-create their popular “Hammer & Bow” program from last year’s Ear Taxi Festival in Chicago, along with additional works, which brings together viola, cello, piano, and percussion in an exploration of co-creation and unifying musical forces. The concert features premieres of new compositions by Jorge Amado, Ben Zucker, and Sixto Franco.
The program explores many aesthetics and moods, catering to a wide variety of listeners. It will begin at 4 p.m. at the church, 256 E. Chicago St. in downtown Elgin.
The Flannau Duo (Flens+Hannau) is a dynamic, new music loving ensemble combining piano, percussion, electronics, improvisation, and absurdism. Pianist Jonathan Hannau and percussionist Kyle Flens first performed together as part of the 2021 Thirsty Ears Festival. Shortly after they schemed to create an official identity for themselves solely out of puns and hybrid names. The duo takes pride in eclectic programming, not adhering to any specific musical aesthetic.
Flannau Duo performs in the Chicago area and beyond exploring a multitude of sounds, styles, and moods from composers and artists from every musical corner. The duo is the recipient of a 2023 Chicago DCASE individual artist grant.
New Music specialists and chamber music enthusiasts, cellist Juan Horie and violist Sixto Franco have joined forces to form the Quijote Duo, a formation that strives to create spaces for innovation and experimentation through collaboration.
With combined experience in many fields including theater, education, composition, concert music, and arts management, the Quijote Duo has been expanding the limits of the performative arts and the relationship between artist, performance, and audience.
Based in New Orleans, Quijote duo is committed to supporting emergent composers resulting in numerous premiers in its short existence. They have performed at the Ear Taxi Festival, Thirsty Ears Festival, Project 88 Music Academy, and the Frequency Series at Constellation.
Tickets are $10, general admission and can be purchased online at fcc-elgin.square.site/ or at the door. For more information, call the church office at (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.