“Alison and Elizabeth really shine when they play together... [their] arrangements are relentlessly inventive and appealing.”
Breaking down barriers between
Classical, Sacred, and Contemporary Music
Connecting music ~ Connecting people
THE SISTERS: Known for their passionate performances and own genre-twisting arrangements, Alison and Elizabeth Beck are reimagining the violin/piano duo experience for today’s audiences. While honing their skills at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, the Beckthoven Duo saw how music styles often created more division than harmony among people; inspiring the sisters to use their own gifts to create music that would bridge these musical boundaries and engage people of all backgrounds.
A FEW EXAMPLES: The 16th century English folk song, Greensleeves, reworked into a gritty Argentinean tango; the contemporary Christian song “Mary Did You Know” rewritten in the modern film/tv score styles of Max Richter, the traditional African-American spiritual “Were You There” envisioned as a Chopin-style nocturne, and nearly always a hidden reference to the music of Star Wars... this is just the beginning! The Beckthoven Duo demonstrates the beautiful and unexpected possibilities that are achieved when genres collide.
THE PRESENTATION: Equally at home on the traditional concert stage, within the Christian worship service, or on a computer live-stream, the Beckthoven Duo is committed to creating a captivating musical experience for all listeners. “We see all music as a divinely inspired, God- created gift. We bring the same level of passion and energy to the music of Beethoven as to our arrangement of Amazing Grace.” —Alison and Elizabeth
Full-length or partial concerts are available of:
- traditional violin/piano classical masterworks
- a mix of fun classical works and the duo’s own sacred and/or secular arrangements
- Christmas music featuring music from their album December Carols, plus new holiday arrangements
REP LIST
THE INSPIRATION: Composer/pianist, Alison, finds inspiration for her work in a wide variety of sources; from the rich history of American folk hymns and African-American spirituals, to film music, contemporary post-modern composers, and the time-honored classics. Working closely with Elizabeth on violin, the sisters aim to create their own unique sound with broad audience appeal.
THE ALBUM: The sisters’ debut recording, December Carols, released on the Bolo Classique label, presents a cycle of sacred Christmas carols with a classical twist. It was featured in BBC Music Magazine and played on major classical music radio stations throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia.
THE PERFORMANCES: With hundreds of performances under their belt, the sisters have played throughout the United States, including in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest region, Texas, the Southern U.S., and New York City. The sisters enjoy presenting full or partial concerts of their music in established concert series (Noel Memorial Masterwork Series, Texas Street Arts Series, Freemont Abbey Arts Series) as well as within a variety of traditional and contemporary worship services (Redeemer Presbyterian NYC, Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, LA, First United Methodist Church of Shreveport, LA, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, TX)
THE BIO: Violinist, Elizabeth Beck, is a recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music in New York City (B.M. ’18, M.M. ’20) where she studied with Issac Malkin. She has performed at the Kaufman Center, Carnegie Hall, the Chelsea Music Festival, and at the Talis Music Festival in Switzerland, working closely with conductors Leonard Slatkin, Kurt Masur, Ken-David Masur, and Pierre Vallet. Pianist/Composer, Alison Beck, (M.M. University of North Texas, B.M. Centenary College) has had her works premiered by professional choirs and musicians throughout the United States, including at the DiMenna Center and Fort Washington Collegiate Church in New York City. As a sought-after chamber musician and recording artist in New York, she served as a collaborative artist at the Manhattan School of Music and has performed in venues throughout the city, including Carnegie Hall. Currently, Alison is Adjunct Professor of Piano at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where she is completing her DMA degree in Piano Performance/Church Music.
What people are saying
“I recently had the pleasure of hearing the Beckthoven Duo performing sonatas of Beethoven and Brahms. They are incredibly polished and play with great musical insight and feeling. I was impressed and very moved by their performance.”
“We have been blessed for many years at our church in both worship and in concert by the fabulous sister duo of Beckthoven. I’m always impressed by their collaborative spirit, expressive passion, and depth of spirituality in whatever genre they are presenting. A joy to hear and certainly a joy with whom to work!”
“Beautiful playing! Superb ensemble! So sincere and imaginative!”
