In biology, LUCA is known as the Last Universal Common Ancestor. All life derived from this single cell organism who had the ability to translate information between DNA and proteins. This form of communication led to more advanced life forms, and since then mankind has used many mechanisms to communicate including language and music. Vocalist Meng-Chieh (Mavis) Hsieh and guitarist Jaclyn Jones use both in the Luca Duo. They formed the duo at the Hartt School and came together to continue in the tradition of creating music to share with future generations and communicate on a transcendent level.
Originally from Taiwan and after graduating from National Taiwan Normal University, Ms. Hsieh came to the States and pursued for further education in vocal performance. She finished her Master of Arts degree at Ball State University in 2012 and then received the Doctoral of Musical Arts degree at the Hartt School, University of Hartford in 2019. She is the winner of several vocal competitions and has performed in Taiwan, United States, and Italy. In October 2014, Ms. Hsieh was awarded 3rd prize and “Best Interpretation of Francesco Paolo Tosti” in Mondial National Vocal Competition, Taiwan. She was a featured artist with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh in 2013. She has been a featured soloist in various operas and concerts, including Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Symphonic Band in Indiana, Los Angeles Taiwan Center, Crescendo Vocal Ensemble in New England area, and Hartford Opera Theater in Connecticut. She is currently acting as adjunct faculty at University of Saint Joseph and the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut. Recently relocated to Maine, Ms. Hsieh is on the roster of Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, and teaches voice and piano in her private studio.
Jaclyn earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Hartt School and has been performing solo and chamber concerts for over ten years. She played for the NJ Guitar & Mandolin Society, Connecticut Guitar Society, Leo Brouwer’s 80th Birthday Celebration Concert, La Bella Strings sponsored concert series, and was a solo guest artist on WPAA-TV’s Music with Purpose show. Ms. Jones has played at notable venues such as the Connecticut Governor’s Residence, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center, the Eric Carle Museum, and the Augusta Curtis Cultural Arts Center. She has also performed in numerous masterclasses for renowned artists such as Oscar Ghiglia, Scott Tennant, Odair Assad, Antigoni Goni, Leo Brouwer, and the Brasil Duo.
Ms. Jones is a compassionate teacher with over ten years’ experience working with young beginners to aspiring professionals. She received formal teacher training in the Suzuki Guitar Method and currently teaches at the Music School at Sound Crossing, the Ethel Walker School, the Community School of the Arts, Martocchio Music, and her private studio. She was a featured guest teacher running a Technique Workshop at the Connecticut Guitar Society’s Guitar Day, founded the Grace Academy Guitar Department in Hartford, CT, and taught at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and Music & Arts. In addition, Ms. Jones enjoys volunteering in the community. She is an active Board Member of the Connecticut Guitar Society, and has performed for patients at the Jefferson House of Hartford Hospital and the Hospital for Special Care. She founded the Simsbury Historical Society concert series and was the Music Director for two years.
