AKOYA: pearls of perfect shape and bright, mirror-like lustre; the most treasured natural pearls.

The musical duo AKOYA, formed by members Naomi Dumas (baroque violin) and Caitlyn Koester (harpsichord), specializes in the performance of early repertoires. Through an historically informed approach, the ensemble seeks to unveil hidden gems from the baroque era in their purest form. Meeting between the East and West coasts of North America, Dumas and Koester founded AKOYA during their studies in the Historical Performance program at The Juilliard School in New York City. Since their graduation in May 2019, AKOYA has performed recitals in Montréal, New York, San Francisco, and Boston, and was featured at Early Music America’s Emerging Artists Showcase in June 2022. AKOYA was selected to participate in the residency program at Avaloch Farm Music Institute and is a proud recipient of generous grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and Early Music America.