BIOGRAPHY
Recognized as “an iconic team” (Fairbanks Daily News-Miner), The Ezra Duo (Jacob Clewell, viola/violin and Sasha Bult-Ito, piano) is the classical music equivalent of a powerhouse pop-punk act. Known for their warm stage demeanor and inventive, relatable programming, Ezra challenges the possibilities of classical performance without losing sight of their roots.
The duo has garnered an impressive list of accomplishments, including recital tours of their Women in Music, Art of the Duo, and Colorfully Contemporary programs in the US and Canada, an appearance in Carnegie Hall, and a performance as guests at a G7 Summit event held at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Jacob and Sasha are top prizewinners of numerous international competitions both individually and together, are frequent guests with ensembles and series across North America, and are increasingly involved with premieres of new music written specifically for Ezra. The duo also hosts an online recital series called Ezra Electrified! on Twitch, where they present themed classical and crossover programming while performing on electric instruments. Their first album, titled Mystic Journey, released August 2024 and is distributed by Universal Music Group worldwide.
As dedicated educators, they have given masterclasses at Berry College, the University of Tulsa, and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, and provided workshops as guest instructors at Harding Fine Arts Academy in Oklahoma since 2018. Jacob and Sasha are co-Artistic Directors of the Emerald Coast Chamber Music Festival in Florida and serve as Artist Faculty at the annual Chamber Music Institute for advanced conservatory students, where they often co-coach student ensembles. Ezra is also frequently involved in outreach efforts, presenting talks and performances in partnership with organizations like the Toronto Public Library, Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and in schools, youth programs, and retirement communities wherever they visit.
On the road the duo enjoys indulging in such hobbies as visiting local zoos and trying every specialty coffee shop they can find. At home they can be found taking aimlessly long walks around the city, playing video and tabletop games, or doting on their adorable calico cat, Akali, who frequently stars in their social media.