Explore
Watch
Coriolis Duo performs "Bit/Chip", a work for flute and marimba written for them by Hannah Ishizaki.
Listen
Coriolis Duo performs an arrangement of "-intuition) (Expectation", a work originally composed for trumpet and marimba by Andy Akiho.
"Coriolis Duo brought a thoughtful and engaging pairing of music and artmaking for all audiences visiting The Cloisters to enjoy."
"Ligare was brilliant. Catherine Boyack and Oliver Xu form a wonderful duo. The energy, the focus, the colors, the intensity, the groove, everything was there. The piece couldn't be in better hands."
"Coriolis Duo gave an absolutely fantastic performance of their rigorous contemporary program. Each piece was executed with swift lyricism and specificity, engaging the audience at every turn with new sounds that can only be made with their unique instrumentation. It was a real pleasure to host the Coriolis Duo."
About
A recipient of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Creative Engagement Grant, the New York City-based Coriolis Duo (Catherine Boyack, flute; Oliver Xu, percussion) seeks to bring contemporary repertoire to audiences with vitality and nuance. Boyack and Xu are alumni of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect and The Juilliard School, where they were each awarded the Benzaquen Career Advancement Grant in recognition of their potential to make a significant impact in the performing arts. As Ensemble Connect fellows, they performed in New York and Madrid and brought accessible interactive performances to schools and community venues.
In recent seasons, the Coriolis Duo has performed at the Met Cloisters, the Nicholas Roerich Museum, Avaloch Farm Music Institute, The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, Kutztown University, and Tenri Cultural Institute. They have commissioned, premiered, and recorded new works by Hannah Ishizaki and Ted Babcock as well as collaborated with the New York Youth Symphony’s composition program.
Named after the natural force that influences winds and ocean currents, the Coriolis Duo is the result of a shared passion for expanding audience interest in contemporary music through engaging chamber performances.
Videos
2026-27 Season Program A: "Daisy Chain"
2026-27 Season Program B: "Currents and Grooves"
"3 Études pour Atlanta" by Philippe Hurel
-intuition) (Expectation by Andy Akiho
"Dance of the Night Wind" from Formas del Viento by Alejandro Viñao
Events
Upcoming Performances
Past Performances
Coriolis Duo Concert
World Premiere of Ted Babcock's Daisy Chain
December 2, 2025 | 7:30 PM
The DiMenna Center, Cary Hall | New York, NY
Daisy Chain: Making Connections
Preview of Ted Babcock's Daisy Chain
November 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM
The Met Cloisters Gallery 6, Pontaut Chapter House | New York, NY
Evenings at Avaloch
Coriolis Duo performs Hannah Ishizaki's Bit/Chip
September 12, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Avaloch Farm Music Institute | Boscawen, NH
Coriolis Duo Concert
Featuring the world premiere of Hannah Ishizaki's Bit/Chip
March 15, 2024 | 6:30 PM
Nicholas Roerich Museum | NYC
Coriolis Duo Concert
March 7, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Wells–Rapp Center for Mallet Percussion Research | Kutztown, PA
New York Youth Symphony Composition Workshop
December 14, 2023 | 4:30 PM
The Juilliard School | New York, NY
Coriolis Duo Concert
January 14, 2023 | 7:30 PM
Tenri Cultural Institute | New York, NY
Classes
While in residence at a university, Coriolis Duo can provide a masterclass focused on one of these topics and customized to specific student needs.
Performance Masterclasses
Each member of Coriolis Duo will provide separate solo instrument masterclasses in their respective disciplines for flute and percussion studios. Catherine and Oliver will work with students on artistry, technique, interpretation, and performance skills.
Chamber Music Coaching Class
Students in any kind of chamber group can participate in a masterclass. Two to three ensembles can perform short pieces or movements, and Coriolis Duo will provide coaching on communication, balance, and interpretation.
Composer Collaboration Class
Coriolis Duo has extensive experience with commissioning new works and participating in reading sessions. Student composers can bring works for flute and percussion and receive feedback on their writing. Coriolis Duo will discuss writing for these specific instruments, composing effectively for a small ensemble, managing potential instrumentation constraints, and collaborating with performers.
The Entrepreneurial Musician
Coriolis Duo will discuss the importance of developing entrepreneurship as both an individual artist and as a chamber ensemble. Coriolis Duo will cover topics such as grant writing, social media, marketing, presenting concerts, building effective connections, organization and task management, and healthy communication, among other important issues.