Duo Cintemani

Adventurous in their programming and dynamic in their performance, Duo Cintemani (chin-tah-MAH-nee), has been offering creative and unique programming for more than 2 decades.  Nick Ciraldo, guitarist, and Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, flutist, have grown a reputation for innovative and expressive programming and have shared their concerts nationally and internationally. Their wide range of stylistic and sensitive interpretation leads to colorful and engaging programs, featuring works spanning the centuries. Over their years of collaboration, they have used their talents to perform rarities such as George Rochberg’s “Muse of Fire,” and have set new standards for such music.

Since the duo’s inception, they have advocated for and promoted high quality new music for the ensemble. Created and developed by Nick, the Hammer/Nail Project is an initiative that has built a platform for growing the body of high-quality repertoire that includes the guitar. They have commissioned new works for their duo, had works dedicated to them, and gave the world premieres of these pieces. Duo Cintemani sets an example for performances of modern repertoire for the flute and guitar, while maintaining and promoting historical and landmark works for the ensemble. 

They have participated in many partnerships that have allowed them creative performance opportunities in various cities. They were featured artists in the Meridian Symphony’s Untuxed Musician’s Series, the Baton Rouge Symphony’s Concerts with Candles, and the Baton Rouge Symphony’s Lamar Chamber Series with repeat invitations. They have collaborated with the Kontra Duo (harp and saxophone), most recently in the Encompass project, a music collective with the mission of redefining the experience of classical music in today’s society, enabling them to commission a new work by Megan Bledsoe, inspired by the philosophy of John Lewis, called Good Trouble.  They will premiere a new work through Encompass’s programming in February 2024 inspired by American folk music by USM graduate, Aaron Lett.  They have been featured artists the FestivalSouth FestivalMusic series multiple times and most recently in the Fayetteville Music Festival’s premiere season in North Carolina. 

Using their educational experience, they have created and participated in outreach programming and participated in residencies with the St. Louis Symphony and the Austin Classical Guitar Society and have given master classes and lectures at several universities and educational festivals, most recently at the University of Wyoming and Colorado State University.  As competition winners and guests, they have been featured multiple times at the National Flute Association’s conventions in Nashville, TN, and Orlando, FL. Nick is Full Professor of Guitar at the University of Southern Mississippi. Rachel is Principal Flutist of the Baton Rouge and Meridian Symphonies and is also a founding member of the Lagniappe Trio, comprised of flute, viola, and harp. Their accomplishments in their respective fields bring experience to the stage and offer a connected and intimate musical experience.

Together, they have built their lives in Hattiesburg, MS, since 2005, where they are raising their son, Luca, and enjoying friendships of a lifetime. 

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