Duo Atlantis Tours U.S. at Two Iconic Performance Venues

Performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center mark Rachel Payne and Jack Tyndale-Biscoe's U.S. debut and the world premiere of Bear McCreary's 'Dragon's Blood: A Song Cycle'

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- October 9, 2025 —American-British ensemble Duo Atlantis will make its Carnegie Hall debut this fall with the world premiere of Dragon's Blood: A Song Cycle, a new work by Emmy and BAFTA Award-winning composer Bear McCreary (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Outlander, God of War) and screenwriter JD Payne, showrunner of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for Amazon MGM Studios.

Bringing McCreary and Payne's four-part song cycle to life are Rachel Youngberg Payne (voice) and Jack Tyndale-Biscoe (piano), who together form Duo Atlantis.

Ahead of their Carnegie Hall debut, Duo Atlantis launches their U.S. tour at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, October 21 with Echoes Across the Atlantic, a heartfelt tribute to veterans and to the enduring friendships that span oceans and generations. American mezzo-soprano and actress Rachel Youngberg Payne leads audiences through a program of remembrance and renewal, exploring themes of service, sacrifice, and shared humanity through music that bridges continents and cultures.

The October 26 Carnegie Hall program marks the first-ever performance of Bear McCreary's work in the legendary space. Written for an intimate chamber ensemble including voice, piano, cello, harp, marimba, and timpani, Dragon's Blood was composed especially for Duo Atlantis. The song cycle arose from a shared commitment to raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis and environmental toll of cobalt mining, and especially the prevalence of child labor, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

JD Payne explains:

"The text of Dragon's Blood reimagines the journey of a young boy in the Congo, where children are too often drawn into the brutal work of cobalt mining instead of being given a chance at education. My hope is that through Bear's score and Duo Atlantis' storytelling, audiences will be both moved and awakened—to the hidden costs of the technology we all rely on, and to the efforts underway to build a more humane and sustainable future."

Bear McCreary adds:

"Having spent much of my career composing for film and television, Carnegie Hall represents a different kind of stage. To collaborate with my dear friend JD Payne and create music for an ensemble as fearless as Duo Atlantis has been inspiring. I'm thrilled to share this piece in such a historic setting."

The Carnegie Hall premiere is presented in partnership with Floodlight, the concert's presenting sponsor. Floodlight's support reflects its mission to illuminate hidden stories and foster transparency across industries. In the Congo, the company, along with partners such as SAGINT, Inc., is pioneering new methods of measurement, reporting, and verification through satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and regional expertise.

Floodlight founder Nate Wyne shares:

"At Floodlight, our mission is to bring truth and transparency to industries and cities that shape lives and futures. Partnering with Duo Atlantis at Carnegie Hall allows us to support the arts while addressing the realities of cobalt mining. Just as great music gives voice to stories that must be heard, our work ensures that data tells the real story—one that can lead to accountability, sustainability, and dignity for the communities at the heart of the supply chain."

In celebration of the premiere, members of the Congolese community, along with dignitaries and cultural representatives, will be among the honored guests at the concert.

Formed in 2024, Duo Atlantis blends the intimacy of 19th-century parlor concerts with the vitality of modern performance. Payne, a classically trained mezzo-soprano and actress, brings theatrical storytelling to each piece, while Tyndale-Biscoe, an accomplished British pianist, provides interpretive depth and precision. Together, they blur the line between recital and theater, transforming song into narrative art.

Event Details:

Duo Atlantis: Carnegie Hall Debut Featuring the World Premiere of Dragon's Blood: A Song Cycle Music by Bear McCreary | Lyrics by JD Payne

Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 1:00 PM ETCarnegie Hall - Weill Recital Hall, New York City

Post-Performance Panel DiscussionWith Rachel Youngberg Payne, Jack Tyndale-Biscoe, JD Payne, and Nate Wyne

Tickets Available Through Carnegie Hall

Duo Atlantis: Kennedy Center Performance Washington, D.C. – October 21, 2025 Program to include special tribute honoring veterans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Duo Atlantis Duo Atlantis is the collaboration of American actor-vocalist Rachel Youngberg Payne and British pianist Jack Tyndale-Biscoe. Formed in 2024, the duo is dedicated to reviving overlooked art-song repertoire and infusing classical performance with dramatic immediacy. Their work has been praised for combining technical mastery with storytelling flair, offering audiences a fresh, human connection to the art song tradition.

Bear McCreary Award-winning composer and recording artist Bear McCreary began his career as a protégé of film composer Elmer Bernstein before making his mark with the landmark series Battlestar Galactica . His scores span beloved franchises including The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Outlander, and God of War. McCreary's work has earned three Emmy Awards, two BAFTAs, and three Grammy nominations. His collaborations range from Hozier and Fiona Apple to Slash and the late Sinéad O'Connor.

Floodlight Floodlight is a global leader in measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV), bringing transparency and accountability to industries that shape economies and communities. By combining advanced satellite technology, AI, and local partnerships, Floodlight delivers accurate data and insights that promote sustainable, ethical practices. Its work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is helping build responsible supply chains and drive lasting change for the people and communities at their foundation.

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SOURCE Floodlight