M E R A K I
Meraki Duo’s programmes offer a distinctively diverse pairing of flute and guitar, incorporating James' arrangements of works which range from Messiaen’s ‘5 Leçons de solfège’ and the Brazilian folk-fusion of Hermeto Pascoal to settings of jazz standards. In 2020 at London's 1901 Arts Club, Meraki Duo premièred À Norte, Rio Preto, a 20-minute work written for them by Brazilian composer Rafael Marino Arcaro. In their recitals, flautist Meera Maharaj extends the expressive range of the duo by featuring the alto flute in works such as Takemitsu’s Toward The Sea and Miroslav Tadic’s Four Macedonian Pieces.
Meera and James both studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, where they quickly connected through a shared passion for chamber music, jazz, Latin American and European folk, and contemporary works. Formed in 2013, Meraki Duo were selected for International Guitar Foundation’s Young Artist Platform 2019/20. In 2019, they were finalists in the Royal Over-Seas League Competition. They perform in recital series and festivals from Northumberland to Cornwall and at venues such as Wigmore Hall, Kings Place and the Bridgewater Hall.
As Live Music Now artists since 2018, Meraki Duo bring performances into the wider community, giving workshops and interactive concerts across the country in schools for children with special educational needs and disabilities and in care homes.