Folias Duo | Carmen Maret & Andrew Bergeron
“Theirs is a music that transcends genre and that ultimately brands itself as Folias Duo music, full stop.”
–Textura on Folias Duo’s Heartdance 2023
Folias Duo is a composer-performer ensemble for flute and guitar, blending classical music with jazz, world music, and improvisation. Founded by flutist Carmen Maret and guitarist Andrew Bergeron, the duo has developed a singular artistic voice through two decades of collaboration, live performance, and original composition.
A Record of ARtistic Excellence
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Folias Duo has independently booked and performed over 700 concerts across the U.S., South America, and Europe. Their performances span a wide range of venues, from chamber music series and libraries to art galleries, house concerts, and guitar societies. During the pandemic, they produced 40 livestream broadcasts, continuing their creative output when many ensembles paused.
Their discography includes eight albums, with the most recent—Heartdance—described by Fanfare Magazine as “a life-enhancing experience.” Earlier recordings, produced by Latin Grammy-nominated Sergei Kvitko for Blue Griffin Records, were followed by three albums on their own Folias Music label, recorded at Sono Luminus Studios with Grammy-winning engineer Daniel Shores and producer Dan Merceruio.
A Prolific Composing Duo
Maret and Bergeron have composed and recorded over 70 original works for flute and guitar, more than any duo of their kind worldwide. Their instrumentation includes C flute, alto flute, bass flute, piccolo, and tambin, paired with nylon-string guitar, creating a richly expressive and distinctive sound palette.
They have also expanded their compositional reach to include collaborations with string quartets, orchestras, and folk ensembles. Bergeron’s broader compositional output includes a symphony, a guitar concerto, and a forthcoming flute concerto, premiering in November 2025. Collaborators include the Vintage Parlor Orchestra, mandolinist Brian Oberlin, and members of the band Whorled.
Education & Mentorship
Maret and Bergeron are dedicated music educators. They co-direct the Folias Music School and serve on the faculty at Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College. Maret recently completed a one-year appointment at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she taught applied flute and flute pedagogy.
Maret holds a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and a Master of Music in flute performance and ethnomusicology from Michigan State University. Bergeron holds a Bachelor of Arts in music from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Music in composition from Michigan State University.
A Creative Way of Life
“Daring in self-written music.”
American Record Guide
Folias Duo’s artistry is deeply tied to their way of life. Their touring philosophy embraces intentional, small-venue performances and a sustainable, self-directed model grounded in camping, cooking, and DIY production. Their creative process is not only about performance, it’s about building a holistic, independent artistic ecosystem that reflects their dedication to craftsmanship, community, and the natural world.