#United States #New York City #Carnegie Hall #Duo Atlantis #Bear McCreary

Duo Atlantis to Make Waves at Carnegie Hall

American-British musical duo Duo Atlantis is set to take the stage for their remarkable debut at Carnegie Hall this fall, where they will present the world premiere of Dragon's Blood: A Song Cycle. This highly anticipated work is the brainchild of Emmy and BAFTA-award-winning composer Bear McCreary, known for his notable scores for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Outlander, alongside screenwriter JD Payne, the showrunner of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for Amazon MGM Studios.

A Powerful Message in Music

Rachel Youngberg Payne, the duo's talented vocalist, and Jack Tyndale-Biscoe, the accomplished pianist, will bring their artistry to life through this poignant performance. Beyond being a showcase of musical talent, Dragon's Blood aims to shed light on critical humanitarian issues, specifically the alarming prevalence of child labor in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In an era where technology often conceals its darker truths, Payne declares, "My hope is that through Bear's score and Duo Atlantis' storytelling, audiences will be both moved and awakened to the hidden costs of the technology we all rely on." This message, intertwined with the cycles of music, transcends geographical boundaries and touches on universal themes of sacrifice, service, and shared humanity.

The tour kicks off at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on October 21, 2025, with Echoes Across the Atlantic, a touching tribute to veterans that bridges friendships from across oceans. This program, led by Payne, promises to engage listeners in a narrative enriched with themes of remembrance and renewal, marking the duo's official entrance into the U.S. performance scene.

A Unique Musical Experience

The Carnegie Hall performance on October 26 is particularly special, as it will mark the first-ever staging of McCreary's work in such a prestigious venue. The intricate arrangement features a rich ensemble comprising not only voice and piano but also includes cello, harp, marimba, and timpani, delivering an exceptional auditory experience.

Recognized for their blend of classical music and theatrical flair, Duo Atlantis redefines the boundaries between traditional concert settings and theatrical storytelling. Rachel Youngberg Payne, with her roots in classical training, enhances the songs with dramatic narratives, while Tyndale-Biscoe attributes precision and interpretative depth to each piece, resulting in an overall seamless transition between song and story.

The Power of Partnerships

This Carnegie Hall debut is made possible in part through the collaboration with Floodlight, the concert's presenting sponsor. Floodlight is dedicated to unveiling hidden stories and fostering transparency in various industries, particularly focused on the ethically problematic cobalt mining practices in the Congo. Wyne, Floodlight's founder, stresses the significance of their partnership with Duo Atlantis, noting, "Great music gives voice to stories that must be heard."

By pairing artistic performance with impactful social commentary, the concert hopes to incite change and raise awareness regarding the lurking environmental crises associated with cobalt extraction. Notably, members from the Congolese community and esteemed guests are set to attend, marking a poignant moment of connection through art.

Event Details and Background on the Duo

Performance Information:

• - Duo Atlantis Carnegie Hall Debut

Featuring the World Premiere of Dragon's Blood A Song Cycle
Music by Bear McCreary | Lyrics by JD Payne
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET
Location: Carnegie Hall - Weill Recital Hall, New York City
Post-Performance Discussion: Join Rachel Youngberg Payne, Jack Tyndale-Biscoe, JD Payne, and Nate Wyne for an engaging panel.

Duo Atlantis, formed in 2024, combines the intimacy of 19th-century parlor concerts with a modern flair. They have cultivated an impressive repertoire focused on reviving overlooked art songs and injecting new life into classical performances. Through their engaging storytelling and technical prowess, Payne and Tyndale-Biscoe foster a fresh connection to the art song tradition.

With such a unique offering on the horizon, the upcoming performances promise to inspire audiences, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the arts through a powerful lens.