The Estella Duo

Estella Duo was formed in 2024 by soprano Lydia Bangura and pianist Mira Walker. The two met while conducting dissertation research for their respective degrees at the University of Michigan. Bangura is a candidate for the PhD in Music Theory, and Walker is a candidate for the DMA in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. The two discovered a shared interest in the work of Florence Price and Margaret Bonds through their research efforts at the Center for Black Music Research in Chicago. Price and Bonds were close friends and collaborators during their lifetimes, and Estella Duo seeks to honor and continue this legacy of inspiration found in both friendship and musical collaboration.

In programming, Estella Duo explores a wide range of art songs, arias, and spirituals, and enjoys engaging with audiences by providing musical and historical context along the way. In particular, the Duo is passionate about programming the repertoire of American Women composers across different time periods and styles. Most recently, Estella Duo was selected as Semi-Finalists in the Federation of the Art Song Fellowship competition at the Manhattan School of Music. Upcoming performances include recitals at the Cascade Song Festival, Northern Arizona University, North Carolina Central University, and the Washington International Young Artists Music Series in Washington, D.C.