Mavis Duo

We are Lily and Rhys, the Mavis Folk Duo; a Cambridge-based duo with availability to perform in East Anglia, London and Manchester areas. Our name is taken from the fenland word 'mavis', meaning song thrush. Both of us come from different music backgrounds, which gives our sound a unique and exciting quality. Rhys studies Zoology at the University of Cambridge. He is trained in folk, classical and rock/pop traditions, and has been a member of various student bands, with whom he has performed at gigs and balls. Lily is studying Music at the University of Manchester; she is at diploma level on classical violin and is training in opera singing, alongside her passion for folk. She is a member of the University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra, Baroque Ensemble and chamber choir and regularly performs at vocal masterclasses and recitals. We met at the Cambridge and Oxford ceilidh band varsity in 2023, and having both been members of the Cambridge/Oxford University Ceilidh bands, are experienced in performing at ceilidhs and gigs in these two university towns. This includes private birthday parties, college formal halls, may balls and conference drinks receptions. What makes the Mavis Duo a memorable musical act is the merging of different musical traditions, and the energy which we bring to our performance. Repertoire consists of traditional folk/ceilidh tunes, folk songs, country music, gypsy jazz, jazz classics, Baroque music, classical music, fado music, traditional Spanish song and classical song. As well as being musicians of a high professional standard, we love a good party and know how to create the best musical ambience for your event.