Inspiring Flute Duets Premiere Concert | Merryl Neille & David Silva

Acclaimed flutists Merryl Neille and David Silva will bring these fresh and original works to life with their exceptional artistry and beautifully warm tone. Be immersed in a vibrant soundscape—from lyrical, reflective dialogues to energetic, rhythm-driven pieces where musical lines weave playfully between the two parts. Several duets explore extended techniques in imaginative ways, expanding the flutist’s sound palette and inviting listeners into a world of rich creativity.

With each piece introduced by its composer—some attending in person, others appearing via video from overseas—the audience will gain a special insight into the inspiration and creative process behind the music.

This new collection of works, commissioned and curated by Karen North, showcases creative voices from around the world. Be among the first to hear this exciting new repertoire, meet some of the composers, enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea, and browse a wonderful selection of sheet music from Syrinx Music—including the first copies of Inspiring Flute Duets. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this premiere event!

Duration 70 minutes (approx) followed by afternoon tea and sheet music display by Syrinx Music.

Full address details will be sent to all ticketholders following purchase.

Please note all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable.

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About the Performers

Merryl Neille (DMA, University of Michigan) is operations manager at Flutes and Flutists where she enjoys a fulfilling vocation closely connected to the vibrant Australian flute community. Merryl performs regularly in the flute section of the Metropolitan Orchestra and teaches beginner to advanced flute students. Her Winter Solstice for Flute and Piano has been recorded on a South African Music Award winning album, African Bird and won second prize for the Flute Society of NSW Composition Competition. Merryl was former principal flute of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, doctoral assistant to Amy Porter at the University of Michigan, and international woodwind clinician at orchestral and chamber workshops in South Africa, the United States and Australia. Merryl is the director of the Australian Flute Festival.

David Silva, 1st Prize Winner of the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition, is a Sydney-based flutist who has quickly established a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer.

In the orchestral field, David was a member of the Gustav Mahler Jugend Orchester from 2018 to 2020, where he performed under the direction of renowned conductors such as Christian Thielemann, Herbert Blomstedt, Vladimir Jurowski, and Alain Altinoglu. He has since appeared with ensembles including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, Staatskapelle Dresden, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, and Musikkollegium Winterthur.

David began his musical education at the age of six, entering the National Conservatory Music School at twelve under the guidance of Professor João Pereira Coutinho. He later earned his undergraduate degree at the Lisbon Superior School of Music, studying with Professor Nuno Ivo Cruz, where he received two academic merit scholarships.

He went on to complete advanced studies at two prestigious European institutions: the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel and the Haute École de Musique de Genève, where he earned Master’s degrees in Music and Musical Interpretation, respectively. His principal mentors included Carlos Bruneel and Michel Bellavance (flute), Jerica Pavli and Katlijn Sergeant (piccolo), and Serge Saitta and Anna Besson (traverso). His postgraduate studies were supported by a scholarship from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Among his accolades are 1st prizes at the Australian Flute Festival Competition and the 23rd Estoril Interpretation Competition (Portugal), as well as the 2nd prize at the 2022 Clara Wieck Schumann Competition (Italy), 3rd prize at the 2021 Dutch International Flute Competition, and 4th prize at the 2022 Tampere Flute Fest – Young Artist Competition (Finland).