Art of Duo // Flora Geißelbrecht & Jelena Popržan

Two violas, two voices, two classically trained musicians; interpreters, improvisers, and composers. Jelena Popržan has been a fixed part of the Austrian music scene for over a decade and is considered "one of the most versatile and adaptable musicians in the country" (Ö1). Whether in her many music projects or in theater, she captivates audiences with her stage presence and charisma. Flora Geißelbrecht builds a meta-instrument from herself and her viola using her well-stocked toolbox full of experimental playing, preparation, and singing techniques, which feels both familiar and peculiar in jazz, folk, and contemporary music. Flora and Jelena were already fans and role models for each other before they knew one another. They first met in person in the summer of 2022 at the "Monday Improviser's Session" in Vienna, and since they only had one viola to play, they made a short performance with it, their two bows, and their two voices – and the duo was born.