Ensemble Biography (Long)

duo vela |val|

plural form of VELUM: of Latin origin, meaning sails
With a ship and the stars to guide, let Duo Vela transport you across the ocean to other
lands. Experience new sounds and indulge your senses in the colors and picturesque
scenes painted by the flute and guitar.
Formed in 2014, the husband and wife duo comprises Australian guitarist Daniel Nistico
and American flutist Marla Nistico. Duo Velas main goal is to break the classical music
norm and challenge the traditional audience & performer relationship. This is achieved
by: 1) staying as true as possible to the performance practice of the music to create
engaging and authentic style, 2) speaking and interacting with the audience and 3) by
performing and commissioning substantial works for the flute and guitar of high artistic
integrity.
Duo Vela has performed around the USA, including Upstate New York, Washington DC
and Virginia. The duo has been featured on Classical WXXIs Backstage Pass with Julia
Figueras and WRURs Open Tunings with Scott Regan. Most recently, Duo Vela performed
on the Tidewater Classical Guitar Societys 2015-2016 Season. In May 2016, the
Shanghai International Cultural Arts Co. will host Duo Vela for a series of concerts in and
around Shanghai, China. Immediately following, Duo Vela will play concerts in Australia
and New Zealand, which will also coincide with the release of their debut album.

Ensemble Biography (Short)

duo vela |val|
plural form of VELUM: of Latin origin, meaning sails
With a ship and the stars to guide, let Duo Vela transport you across the ocean to other
lands. Experience new sounds and indulge your senses in the colors and picturesque
scenes painted by the flute and guitar.
Formed in 2014, the husband and wife duo comprises of Australian guitarist Daniel
Nistico and American flutist Marla Nistico. Duo Velas main goals are to break the
classical norm and challenge the traditional audience & performer relationship.
In mid 2016, Duo Vela will tour China, Australia and New Zealand, which will also coincide
with the release of their debut album.

Guitarist Biography (Long) - Daniel Nistico

Australian born guitarist Daniel Nistico has performed in numerous countries across the
globe including New Zealand, Chile, Serbia and the USA, establishing himself as a
guitarist of high calibre. Daniel is regularly featured on radio stations ABC Classic FM and
3MBS Fine Music Radio and has performed at prominent venues across Melbourne
including the National Gallery of Victoria, Government House and Iwaki Auditorium.
Daniel was first taught by his father at the age of twelve and soon afterwards studied at
the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), a specialist music and
dance school. Daniel completed his undergraduate degree at the Victorian College of the
Arts, studying with award winning guitarist Toni Field and internationally renowned
pianist Dr. Donna Coleman. Daniel completed his Master of Music Performance at the
Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in 2013. In this same year Daniel recorded his debut
album Un Viaje Mistico ... A Mystical Journey, containing both familiar works and hidden
gems of the guitar repertoire.
Daniel is currently undertaking a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the Eastman School of
Music, studying with Nicholas Goluses and Paul ODette. Daniel is the first guitarist in the
schools history to have been nominated for an Artist Certificate, a prestigious award that
acknowledges rare excellence in performance standard.
Daniel has performed in masterclasses for Lorenzo Micheli, Thomas Offermann, Oscar
Ghilia, Paul Odette, Elliot Fisk, Carlo Barrone, Slava Grigoryan, Stanley Yates, Rafael
Andia, Edoardo Catemario, Manuel Barrueco, Ricardo Galln, Franz Halasz, Zoarn Dukic,
and Martha Masters.

Guitarist Biography (Short) - Daniel Nistico

Australian born guitarist Daniel Nistico has performed in numerous countries across the
globe, including New Zealand, Chile, Serbia and the USA, establishing himself as a
guitarist of high calibre. In 2013, Daniel recorded his debut album Un Viaje Mistico ... A
Mystical Journey, containing both familiar works and hidden gems of the guitar
repertoire.
Daniel is currently undertaking a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the Eastman School of
Music, studying with Nicholas Goluses and Paul ODette. Daniel is the first guitarist in the
schools history to have been nominated for an Artist Certificate, a prestigious award that
acknowledges rare excellence in performance standard.

Flutist Biography (Long) - Marla Nistico

Marla Nistico is a versatile flautist based out of Rochester NY who is passionate for
soloing, chamber music, and teaching. In the spring of 2015, Marla completed a Master
of Music Degree in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music while
studying with Bonita Boyd. Marla is the Adjunct Flute Instructor at the State University of
NY at Oswego, member of Duo Vela, and also maintains a private studio at home.
In June 2015, Marla was chosen as principal flutist and awarded full scholarship to attend
the month long festival Prague Summer Nights. Marla has placed first in many
competitions including the Richmond, VA Flute Fest (2012 & 2010) and the South Carolina
Flute Societys Young Artist Competition (2011). Additionally, she has attended the Aspen
Music Festival and School in 2012 and the Aria International Summer Institute in 2010.
Marla has performed for world renowned flutists including Andreas Blau, Aaron Goldman,
Mimi Stillman, Ransom Wilson, Brooks de Wetter-Smith, and Carol Wincenc.
Marla received her Bachelor of Music Degree in Flute Performance from Virginia
Commonwealth University in 2013, where she studied with Dr. Tabatha Easley. In 2009
she graduated from the Governors School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA where she studied
with Patti R. Watters.

Flutist Biography (Short) - Marla Nistico

Marla Nistico is a versatile flautist based out of Rochester NY who is passionate for
soloing, chamber music, and teaching. In the spring of 2015, Marla completed a Master
of Music Degree in Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music while
studying with Bonita Boyd. She is the Adjunct Flute Instructor at the State University of NY
at Oswego, member of Duo Vela, and also maintains a private studio at home.
Marla has placed first in competitions including the Richmond, VA Flute Fest (2012 &
2010) and the South Carolina Flute Societys Young Artist Competition (2011); Marla has
performed in masterclasses for world renowned flutists including Andreas Blau, Aaron
Goldman, Mimi Stillman, Ransom Wilson, Brooks de Wetter-Smith, and Carol Wincenc.

Repertoire
Maximo Pujol Suite Buenos Aires
Manuel de Falla Seven Popular Spanish Songs
Mauro Giuliani - Grosse Sonate
Phillip Houghton From The Dreaming
J.S. Bach - Sonata in C Major (BWV 1033)
Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Sonatina
Astor Piazzolla - Histoire du Tango
Robert Beaser - Mountain Songs
Franz Schubert - Arpeggione Sonata
Edward Grieg - Lyric Pieces
Claude Debussy Claire de Lune
Maurice Ravel - Pavane for a Dead Princess

Quotes
World class instrumental artistry
----- Scott Regan, Radio Host WRUR

Together they create an astoundingly beautiful world of sound.

------ Nicholas Goluses, Professor of Guitar Eastman
School of Music

Our guests thoroughly enjoyed each performance

----- Lauren Deutsch, Esq., Executive Director Healthy Baby Network

Photos