Duo Damiana is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2016 by two talented musicians, guitarist and composer, Olivia Chiang, and flutist, Elizabeth Brown. The ensemble is named after the Damiana plant, which is known for its aphrodisiac properties and is native to Mexico and Central America. Olivia Chiang, a Taiwanese-American musician, is a graduate of the Yale School of Music, where she earned a Master of Music degree in guitar performance. She has also studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the University of California, Berkeley. Elizabeth Brown, on the other hand, is an American flutist who has performed with various orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the American Composers Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. The two musicians met while studying at the Yale School of Music and quickly discovered a shared passion for contemporary classical music. They decided to form Duo Damiana as a way to explore and showcase the unique combination of flute and guitar in contemporary classical music. Since its founding, Duo Damiana has performed at various venues and festivals across the United States, including the New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival, the New Music Gathering, and the Women Composers Festival of Hartford. They have also performed internationally in Taiwan and Mexico. One of the highlights of Duo Damiana's career was their performance at the 2018 National Flute Association Convention in Orlando, Florida. They were selected as one of only six ensembles to perform at the convention, which is the largest annual gathering of flutists in the world. Their performance was well-received by the audience and critics alike, with one reviewer describing their playing as "exquisite and nuanced." Duo Damiana has also been recognized for their outstanding musicianship and contributions to contemporary classical music. In 2019, they were awarded the New Music USA Project Grant, which provided funding for the commissioning and performance of new works for flute and guitar. They have also been featured in various publications, including the New York Times and Classical Guitar Magazine. In addition to performing, Duo Damiana is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at various universities and music schools, including the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley. They also regularly collaborate with composers to create new works for flute and guitar, and have premiered numerous pieces by emerging and established composers. Overall, Duo Damiana is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music. With their unique combination of flute and guitar, they are creating a new and exciting sound that is captivating audiences around the world.

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