On 9th October 2025, BCGS was thrilled to host the Fika Duo as part of the International Guitar Foundation’s Young Artists Platform. The duo was formed by guitarist Zoë Meadowcroft and flautist Emma Lörstad in their first year at the Royal Academy of Music, where they both hold
scholarships.
The term Fika comes from the Swedish tradition of enjoying a break during the day to eat or drink something sweet to recharge one‘s energy. The duo aims to build a unique concert repertoire through new arrangements and collaborations with composers, including Zoë‘s own
compositions and live improvisations. I think, based upon their performance, they certainly achieved their goals.
The duo produced a thoughtful programme, showcasing excellent technique and musical synergy, which resonated well with the audience.
The flute can often dominate the sound of a classical guitar in such pairings, but Zoë and Emma were perfectly matched, creating a harmonious interplay which felt both natural and deliberate. This balance set the stage for a high quality performance throughout.
A highlight of the evening was the performance of Swarming, a commissioned piece by Effy Efthymiou which through the duo‘s interplay with rapid, intricate passages, evoked the frenetic buzz of swarming insects.
The duo‘s rendition of Histoire du Tango (Astor Piazzolla) transported the audience through the gritty bordellos of the 1900s, to the more romantic setting of Parisian cafes in the 1930s , Nightclub 1960, infused with bossa nova vibes and the Concert of Today (1985).
Other standouts were Cable to the Sun by fellow student Franklin Onyeso and Zoë‘s improvised composition Low Earth Orbit. Equally impressive was Stephen Goss‘s composition La Catedral Sumergida, a piece originally commissioned for BCGS‘s own Francisco and Emily Correa. The evening concluded with a playful encore, Philip Houghton‘s Gary the Gecko.
I’m sure I can say on behalf of the audience that it was an excellent recital and we look forward to further
performances by this talented duo.
Programme
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA (1921–1992)
Histoire du Tango
i. Bordel 1900
EFFY EFTHYMIOU (1980-)
Swarming (IGF Commission)
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
Histoire du Tango (ctd.)
ii. Café 1930
FRANKLIN ONYESO (2005–)
Cable to the Sun
ZOË MEADOWCROFT (2005–)
Low Earth Orbit
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
Histoire du Tango (ctd.)
iii. Nightclub 1960
STEPHEN GOSS (1964–)
La Catedral Sumergida
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
Histoire du Tango (ctd.)
iv. Concert d’Aujourd’hui