Duo Allant is
a world-class flute and guitar ensemble. Kathryn Thomas Umble
(flute) and Francois Fowler (guitar) are recognized for the high
level of musicianship and artistry that they bring to each performance.
Known for connecting with audiences, Duo Allant has
received glowing accolades for their exciting programs. Duo
Allant’s innovative repertoire spans over 400 years
of music from Brazil, Japan, Canada, United States, Great Britain,
Argentina, and France. In addition, they are enthusiastic exponents
of new music and have premiered works composed for their duo.
Recent performances include the Ohio Cultural Alliance and Defiance Community Cultural Council Chamber Music Series, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Tifton, Georgia), Capital University (Columbus, OH), Columbus State Unversity (GA), Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, Sunday Concert Series at Stambaugh Auditorium, Dayton Classical Guitar Society, Pittsburgh Music Academy, Faculty Artist Series at Youngstown State University, Penn State University (Esber Hall), and Wofford College (Spartanburg, SC).
In addition to concert performances, Duo Allant is committed to reaching out to the community and the next generation of young musicians through university master classes and high school presentations. Dr. Umble and Dr. Fowler are faculty members at the Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University.
Kathryn Thomas Umble has presented recitals in Europe
and throughout the United States, including venues such as
Alice Tully Hall and Symphony Space, New York, and the Milhaud
Society at the Cleveland Institute of Music with members
of the Cleveland Orchestra. She is Associate Professor of
Flute at Youngstown State University. Umble was winner of
the 2009 Pittsburgh Concert Society Major Auditions Competition
and recently was guest artist in recital with the Aurista
Ensemble in New York City. She also performed in recital
at the 2009 National Flute Association Convention, was featured
guest artist of the Pittsburgh Flute Club, and concerto soloist
with the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, Youngstown State
University Wind Ensemble at 2011 OMEA Conference, and the
Youngstown Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Umble holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Bowling Green State University, and Michigan State University and was awarded the Prix d’excellence for Outstanding Musicianship from the Fontainebleau School of Music, France, which she attended on full scholarship. Prior to teaching at Youngstown State University, she has served on the faculties of Bowling Green State University and Grove City College. In addition to performing principal flute with the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, Umble holds the piccolo position with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and has performed principal flute with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. She can be heard on the Naxos, Dana, GMMC, and Access Labels. Umble is a founding member of the flute and guitar duo, Duo Allant, with Francois Fowler.
Guitarist
Francois Fowler has given recitals in the United States,
Canada and Mexico, including concerts in Albany, Cleveland,
Dayton, Denver, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Jekyll Island, Los
Angeles, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Montréal, Monterrey, Rochester,
San Jose, Seattle, Spartanburg, Springfield,
Syracuse, Tallahassee, Tampa, Tifton, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg. Fowler
is the recipient of national and international prizes including
the 2001 Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International
Guitar Competition. A faculty member at the Dana
School of Music (Youngstown State University, Ohio), he maintains
an active guitar studio and coaches guitar ensembles. Fowler
obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa,
Canada, where he studied with Ed Honeywell, and his Doctorate
from Florida State University where he studied with Professor
Bruce Holzman. Francois performs on a Thomas Humphrey
guitar with D’Addario Strings, his compositions
and arrangements are published by Clear Note Publications,
and his recordings are released by CBC records, Canadian Music
Center, Clear Note, Novalis, and independently. His
latest CD Sonata (ClearNote, 2010) features music
by C.P.E. Bach, J.S. Bach, Agustin Barrios, Gregorio Huet,
and Domenico Scarlatti. Fowler is also a founding member
of the flute and guitar duo, Duo Allant, with Kathryn
Thomas Umble. For more information please visit www.francoisfowler.com.
Francois Fowler is a D’Addario Performing Artist, he performs on D’Addario Strings
