Duo Kayo

Duo Kayo, featuring the dynamic pairing of cellist Titilayo Ayangade and violist Edwin Kaplan, delivers a powerful performance with their unique ensemble. Boasting over a decade and a half of professional experience as members of esteemed groups like the Thalea and Tesla String Quartets, this innovative duo is making a bold statement in the classical music world. Committed to both commissioning new works and championing lesser-known pieces from the repertoire, Duo Kayo can be found performing live across the country. Known for playing well with others, their compassionate collaborative spirit has also led them to artist residencies at the Newport Classical Festival. With vibrant energy and a joyous musical expression, the duo is on a mission to be a vessel for new and exciting music, and to challenge traditional thinking about the genre. When not exploring new techniques on their instruments, Edwin and Titi can be found tackling the New York Times crossword puzzle. Visit their website.

Titilayo Ayangade, cello

Cellist Titilayo Ayangade has spent over two decades behind her instrument, performing in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and commissioning new music. She holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati-CCM and the University of Texas at Austin, and has also worked closely with members of the Artemis Quartet at the Queen Elisabeth Chapel in Belgium. Since exiting her role as cellist of the acclaimed Thalea String Quartet, in which she established an international presence as a star chamber musician, Titilayo has expanded her reach, becoming a Strathmore Artist-in-Residence, appearing on stage in Broadway’s Hadestown, at the Kennedy Center with the Black Radio Orchestra, at the Park Avenue Armory with Alarm Will Sound, with the American Modern Opera Company (AMOC), and on the faculty of San Antonio’s Classical Music Institute.

During her five-year tenure with the TSQ, Titilayo received numerous accolades, including top prizes at the Fischoff and Chamber Music Yellow Spring international competitions, as well as artist residencies at the Caramoor Center for the Arts, Britten-Pears Arts, and the Universities of Texas and Maryland. She has also collaborated with many award-winning artists, including Julia Bullock, Isabel Charisius, Lawrence Power, Seth Parker Woods, Yo-Yo Ma, Christian Reif, Curtis Stewart, Robert DeMaine, James Austin Smith, and Sibbi Bernhardson. Her strongest advocates and mentors include cellists Ilya Finkelshteyn, Joshua Gindele, and Eric Kutz, as well as members of The Left Bank Quartet, Miro Quartet, Emerson Quartet, Artemis Quartet, and Ariel Quartet.

Titilayo has had the privilege of touring in China, Brazil, Canada, Belgium, the UK and many cities in North America. This seasons highlights include the world premiere work for solo cello and dancer by Akshaya Avril-Tucker, a performance with duo kayo at Lincoln Center in collaboration with a living statue artist, serving as a faculty teaching artist at the Kolob Canyon Festival and as an artist-in-residence at Newport Classical.

Titilayo particularly enjoys her collaborations with other artists from the greater African and African-American diaspora. She is a vocal advocate for the work of BIPOC musicians and is passionate about being a contributing part of a fully inclusive, ever-outreaching musical community. When not playing the cello, Titi runs a successful photography business and has had the fortune to work with clients such as the New York Youth Symphony, the Colburn School, Lakes Area Music Festival, members of the San Francisco Symphony, and other Grammy-nominated artists. Visit her website at www.titilayoandco.com for more information.

Edwin Kaplan, viola 

As the violist of the esteemed Tesla Quartet and Duo Kayo, Edwin Kaplan has cultivated a distinguished musical career spanning several decades. He has graced the stages of renowned concert series in North America, Europe, and Asia, including the prestigious Wigmore Hall, Lincoln Center, and Tanglewood Music Center.

Edwin is a versatile musician, embracing a diverse range of repertoire, including contemporary compositions. He has participated in numerous premieres, including works by Timo Andres, Eleanore Alberga, Andy Akiho, Zosha Di Castri, and Christopher Cerrone. In his duo, Edwin enjoys the close collaboration of Titilayo Ayangade, from which the pair recreate familiar works for a cello-viola ensemble, and champion the latest compositions of Paul Wiancko, Caroline Shaw, and many others. 

As an advocate for music education, Edwin is committed to bringing a positive impact to communities all across the country. Whether at Anchorage Chamber Music Festival, the Classical Music Institute of San Antonio, or Kneisel Hall in Blue Hill, Maine, Edwin has enjoyed sharing his passion for viola and chamber music with students of all ages. Through his work with the Tesla Quartet, he conducts outreach programs at primary and high schools, and offers masterclasses at universities across North America. He also spent a year teaching at Mt. Allison University in Canada, collaborating with music faculty and students, and facilitating workshops for new compositions. 

Edwin Kaplan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, a Master of Music, an Artist Diploma from the Yale University School of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a highly accomplished and respected musician, revered for his virtuosity and artistry.