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Antonina Styczeń
Doris Ćosić
flautist
guitarist
A performer in classical, jazz, rock, and improvisatory idioms, Ms. Antonina Styczeń has appeared in unlikely spaces as a concerto soloist, and has created large-scale, crowd-sourced projects. A dynamic musician and entrepreneur, she hopes to create projects for the flute that will change the perception of the classical soloist. “Clearly a musician to watch” (Arcana FM), Ms. Styczen is a winner of Astral’s 2018 National Auditions.
In 2019 alone, Ms. Styczen captured First Prize at the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition as well as its special prize for the Best Performance of a New Work, both Second Prize and the William H. Grass Memorial Prize at The James Pappoutsakis Memorial Flute Competition, and Third Prize in the Mid-South Flute Society Young Artist Competition.
In 2016, Ms. Styczen recorded her debut album, Mieczyslaw Wajnberg: Works for Flute, with the Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Wojciech Rajski, for the German recording label TACET. The album was nominated for the 2017 International Classical Music Award and the Prize of German Critics. Along with pianist Eliza Puchianu and cellist William Laney, she formed the Alara Ensemble trio, which won First Prize at the Boston Conservatory’s Berklee Honors Ensemble Competition. In the ensemble’s short life, it has performed at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and Harvard University. A video of their arrangement of Piazzolla’s Four Seasons was released by the Berklee College of Music. Upcoming is a concert tour and recording with Eliza Puchianu of music by Eastern-European female composers.
Very active in electronic and improvised music, Ms. Styczen created Witkacy 622, Vol. 1, a program for singer, electronics, harp, and flute, with soprano Aleksandra Klimczak and pianist-composer Andrzej Karalow. She is also currently working as a producer on recital projects that include deejay, a recital that includes electronic works she composed, an electronic reimagining of Telemann’s 12 Fantasias for Solo Flute, and a CD of new solo flute works with electronics inspired by nature.
Ms. Styczen is a four-time recipient of the prize for extraordinary artistic achievements from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. She won First Prize at the Virtuoso Competition in London’s Royal Albert Hall, First Prize at the Miami Music Festival Concerto Competition, Second Prize at the XV Jeunesse International Music Competition in Bucharest, and Third Prize at the Myrna Brown Young Artist Competition.
Doris Ćosić is a versatile classical guitarist and educator from Slovenia, whose love for music has taken her across continents to establish herself in the vibrant musical landscape of Los Angeles. Her interest and knowledge in classical, ethnic, flamenco, and jazz repertoire provide her audience with a unique musical experience. Doris found her musical home at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Under the tutelage of respected professors Brian Head, Scott Tennant, and Bill Kanengiser, Doris flourished, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in guitar performance. Recognized for her exceptional talent and commitment to her artistry, Doris was awarded a teaching assistantship at USC, which will commence along with her Doctor of Musical Arts studies this Fall.
Since a young age, she has performed on both national and international stages, earning first prizes at various competitions. Notable performances include the GFA Las Vegas Symposium in 2020 and 2023, and several recordings for Guitar Salon International. Beyond her achievements as a performer, Doris is deeply committed to music education and community engagement. She volunteers at the LA General Medical Center’s music program, bringing solace and joy to patients and staff through her music. Additionally, she serves as an assistant editor for the Virtual Guitar Orchestra, where she spearheaded the creation of the first all-women Virtual Guitar Orchestra in collaboration with Grammy-nominated Clarice Assad. Doris also shares her expertise as a teaching artist for Lead Guitar, a non-profit organization that implements music programs in public schools across the US.
Passionate about chamber music, Doris co-founded DuoKava, a flute and guitar duo with Antonina Styczeń. Their repertoire selections range from baroque to new music, featuring local composers from Southern California, Latin American music as well as music of Southeastern Europe. While her interests span a wide range of musical genres and endeavors, Doris remains dedicated to advocating for women in the music industry and celebrating her Balkan heritage through her artistry. With her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment, Doris Ćosić continues to inspire audiences and make meaningful contributions to the world of music.
Together, Doris and Antonina form Duokava, offering a repertoire ranging from baroque to new music. Their repertoire consists of contemporary American composers, Latin American music, and the music of Western and Southeastern Europe, reflecting Doris’ Balkan heritage. Duokava's collaborative spirit, virtuosity, and commitment to pushing musical boundaries continue to captivate audiences and make them a standout duo in the world of classical music.