Doubles Duo expands the oboe and bass repertoire through commissions, composer workshops, and performances, sparking interest in the diverse possibilities of this unique instrument combination

Jillian Honn (oboe) and Zack Merkovsky (bass) met while serving as administrators for versicolor, a student-led new music ensemble at the Yale School of Music. In the spring of 2021, Doubles Duo began their collaboration within the liminal space of electronically-wired rooms amidst their pandemic-era studies. What started off as a project in unusual circumstances led to a musical partnership that prioritizes the performance and commissioning of living composers. 

As a duo, Jillian and Zack have performed in a variety of locations that range from concert venues, coffee shops, and even to Lucerne, Switzerland as fellows of the Lucerne Festival Academy. Both duo members are very active in new music and the classical music world. Jillian holds principal positions with the Cape Symphony, Pegasus: the Orchestra, and the Lake Placid Sinfonietta, and has been a guest musician with groups such as the International Contemporary Ensemble, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Zack is a member of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and the York Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared with The Syracuse Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, The Orchestra Now, New York Classical Players, and Pegasus: The Orchestra, among others. He has worked with youth orchestras all across New Jersey as a mentor and teaching artist, and also balances a teaching studio within the Tri-State Area.