We welcome the “Lab Duo” as our featured guest artists for

IDS 2024

Lab Duo

Fernando Zúñiga-Chanto and Orquídea Guandique-Araniva joined forces in 2007 to embark on an extraordinary musical journey. Fernando, bassoonist and pianist, together Orquídea, violinist and violist, formed Lab-duo, an ensemble that has captivated audiences with their unique blend of instruments and innovative performances.

Initially, their collaboration began as a viola and piano duet, showcasing their skills and musical understanding. However, driven by their passion for exploring unconventional musical combinations, they gradually ventured into the realm of viola and bassoon music. This rare pairing allowed them to showcase the rich timbres and expressive possibilities of these often-overlooked instruments.

Recognizing the scarcity of existing repertoire for their ensemble, Fernando and Orquídea took it upon themselves to expand the musical landscape. They have commissioned new works from talented composers, seeking to enrich the repertoire for viola and bassoon. Additionally, they undertook the challenging task of adapting existing compositions to suit their unique instrumentation.

With a shared vision and unwavering dedication, Fernando and Orquídea aimed to promote chamber music performed by unusual instrument combinations. Their mission was to shed light on instruments that have historically received less attention compared to their counterparts. By championing these neglected voices, they sought to inspire other musicians and broaden the horizons of chamber music enthusiasts worldwide.

They have performed as a duet in many recital halls in Costa Rica, United States and Europe.