“Their performance was immaculate and moving…”
“I would heartily recommend them for any concert series anywhere.”
-Jim McCutcheon, President Dayton Classical Guitar Society
“A superb performance. A joy to listen to!”
“Superior technique and beautiful musicality!”
“Very sensitive ensemble playing!”
-Ronald W. Dubois, Fine Arts Department, Franciscan University
Duo Allant
Kathryn Thomas Umble, flute
Francois Fowler, classical guitar
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 and diverse 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 Penn State University (Esber Hall), Sunday Concert
Series at Stambaugh Auditorium, Dayton Classical Guitar Society, Pittsburgh Music
Academy, Faculty Artist Series at Youngstown State University, the Ohio Cultural
Alliance and Defiance Community Cultural Council Chamber Music Series.
In addition to their 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. For more information please
visit www.duoallant.com.
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. Among recent performances, Kathryn Umble was guest artist in
recital with the Aurista Ensemble in New York City, performed in recital at the 2008
National Flute Association Convention, was featured guest artist of the Pittsburgh Flute
Club, and concerto soloist with the Warren Philharmonic 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. She is Assistant Professor of Flute at Youngstown State
University and 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.
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.