About 

Duo Riso—co-founded by clarinetist Evan Kopca and pianist Zaira Castillo—transforms the traditional concert experience into a playful, boundary-blurring exploration of sound, space, and connection. Riso is derived from the Latin word for “laughter,” symbolizing the joy and camaraderie the duo shares in rehearsals and performances, where laughter flows freely alongside music-making. Passionate about exploring and expanding the sonic possibilities of the piano and clarinet, Duo Riso brings their music to both traditional and non-traditional settings. The duo is equally committed to interdisciplinary collaboration that invite artists from different disciplines to co-create unique and unexpected experiences for both audiences and performers. Recent projects have included explorations using unconventional materials and methods such as recycled plastics, sculptures, interactive lights, and theatrical engagements. The Duo engages with aesthetics spanning classical, contemporary classical, improvisation, and electroacoustic genres. Duo Riso has also been active in educational and community engagement, including workshops with students at Northwestern University. Performances have taken place at Roosevelt University, Northwestern University, Constellation Chicago's Frequency Series, Experimental Sound Studio, the Toledo Club (Ohio), and Clara Chicago. Driven by a deep commitment to community engagement and an endless curiosity for evolving the dialogue between our instruments, Duo Riso seeks to create spaces where music becomes both a shared discovery and a vibrant form of connection.