Doubles Duo, consisting of Jillian Honn on oboe and Zack Merkovsky on double bass, is passionate about highlighting these often-underrepresented instruments in contemporary chamber music. Their mission is to expand the oboe and bass repertoire and engage composers through programs and workshops, inspiring interest in the distinct possibilities of their unique instrument combination.

In 2019, Jillian Honn, oboe, co-founded and later became president of versicolor, a student-run new music ensemble at the Yale School of Music. When Zack Merkovsky, double bass, entered YSM in 2020, he quickly became an active participant in the running of the ensemble. Doubles Duo was formed from this administrative team. In the spring of 2021, Doubles Duo began collaborating within the liminal space of electronically-wired rooms during their pandemic-era studies. What started off as a project in unusual circumstances led to a fruitful collaboration that prioritizes the performance and commissioning of living composers. 

During their Spring 2025 residency at Syracuse University, Doubles Duo collaborated with student composers to workshop new works, and presented a recital on the Civic Morning Musicals Series, which exemplified the exciting possibilities of oboe and bass music. Previously, Jillian and Zack have performed in a variety of locations that range from concert venues, coffee shops, and even to Lucerne, Switzerland as fellows of the Lucerne Festival Academy. Both duo members are very active in new music and the classical music world.

doublesduonewmusic@gmail.com