As agents of new repertoire, Égide Duo’s mission is to collaborate with composers to create and present music that addresses social change, including issues involving the environment/climate, animal and human rights, and equality. The duo aims to provide clear and pointed musical commentary on issues that affect our society today and tomorrow in an effort to draw attention to and encourage active public engagement on such issues. Joshua and Stefanie Gardner have commissioned works by Eric Mandat, Kurt Mehlenbacher, Jon Russell, John Steinmetz, Joel Love, and others dedicated to effecting social change through music.

The duo has been invited to perform at conferences for numerous organizations, including the International Clarinet Association and the College Music Society. Their recent performance at ClarinetFest 2019 was described as “powerful” with a “vibrant color palette and captivating quality” by the conference review team. They have appeared as guest artists throughout the US and in France.

In addition to performing, Joshua and Stefanie hold teaching positions in higher education. Joshua teaches at Arizona State University and Stefanie teaches at Glendale Community College (AZ). They both perform with the Paradise Winds Reed Quintet and are Selmer Paris/Conn-Selmer and Silverstein Works performing artists.

Celebrating the creativity and distinctive voices of women composers, this album brings together new works that explore courage, love, identity, partnership, and resilience. Performed by Égide Duo, featuring pianist Gail Novak, the collection expands the clarinet repertoire with vibrant new music while contributing to broader representation within the clarinet community.