Duo Aster, composed of saxophonist Clio Theodoridis and pianist Jonathan Nemtanu, brings together two artists with diverse backgrounds, trained at prestigious European conservatories and later at the Université de Montréal. They have shared a musical partnership for over ten years, a close collaboration that inspires every performance. The duo explores a varied repertoire, ranging from original works for classical saxophone to transcriptions of contemporary Romantic music, while also drawing on musical traditions from around the world—from klezmer to Eastern music—creating a lively dialogue with contemporary classical composition.

They perform regularly in Canada, Europe, and China, appearing at festivals and prestigious venues such as Jeunesses Musicales Canada, Place des Arts in Montréal, the Aegean International Arts Festival in Greece, and the Jiangsu Theatre in China. In Winter 2026, Duo Aster will tour Ontario, Québec, and the Maritime provinces with Jeunesses Musicales Canada, sharing their energy and virtuosity with audiences across the country. Alongside their performing career, the duo is deeply committed to cultural mediation and music education, having introduced more than 2,500 students to classical music through the concert series Le Baptême and presenting a concert for young children entitled Mélodies et Gazouillis. Through their passion and long-standing collaboration, Duo Aster offers warm, engaging performances where every audience member can feel connected to the music and the artists.

Clio Theodoridis

Born in Athens, Clio Theodoridis performs regularly as a saxophonist in Quebec and internationally, with appearances across Europe, Asia, and North America at venues such as the Jiangsung Grand Theatre in China, Denkibunka Hall in Japan, Théâtre du Châtelet in France, and the Aegean Arts Festival in Greece, as well as major Canadian events including the Domaine Forget International Festival, La Virée Classique de Montréal, and Jeunesses Musicales Canada. She has participated in prestigious international events such as the World Saxophone Congress SaxOpen in Strasbourg and the NASA Conference, and has received recognition in competitions, including third prize at the Stockholm International Music Competition and laureate honours at the National Young Talents Competition X.O.N in Athens.

Known for the finesse and depth of her playing, she combines delicacy and intensity in her interpretation of the classical saxophone repertoire. She holds a Doctor of Music degree with highest distinction from the Université de Montréal, along with advanced diplomas from the Strasbourg Superior Academy of Music and the Lyon Conservatory.

Now based in Quebec, she performs regularly with Duo Aster, teaches at the Saguenay Conservatory of Music, is a guest professor at the Domaine Forget International Academy, and serves as an ambassador for Henri Selmer Paris.

Jonathan Nemtanu

Pianist Jonathan Nemtanu leads a rich and committed career that blends artistic excellence with cultural leadership. He performs regularly as a chamber musician in Canada, China, Greece, the United States, and France, and is praised for the finesse of his playing and his gift for musical dialogue. He studied with Hervé N’Kaoua at the Conservatoire de Bordeaux, Avedis Kouyoumdjian at the University of Vienna, and Jean Saulnier at the Université de Montréal, where he earned a doctorate in piano performance with the distinction of “exceptional.” He also holds a master’s degree in international arts management from HEC Montréal, reflecting his engagement beyond the stage.

His career includes collaborations with artists such as Nicolas Ellis, Julie Boulianne, the Isidore Quartet, Hélène Collerette, and Marie-Ève Munger, and performances at venues and festivals including Radio France, the Jiangsu Grand Theatre in China, and Orford Musique in Canada. He has appeared as a soloist with ensembles such as Pro Arte, Das Klassik Orchester aus Prag, and the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Symphony Orchestra.

Deeply committed to education and mentorship, he has taught at the Conservatoire de musique de Saguenay, served on juries including the Canadian Music Competition, and founded and directs the Le Baptême concert series in Quebec. He is currently Executive Director of the Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal, embodying a new generation of artists who combine musical sensitivity with entrepreneurial vision.