Ataraxia Duo

Ataraxia Duo was founded in 2020 by percussionist Matthew Coley and harpist Jennifer Ruggieri, who met through their performances with orchestras around the midwestern United States. After the first commission of Umo’Ho’Ti: Concerto for Cimbalom, Harp, Strings, and Percussion by Jonathon Blair, the duo began building a repertoire showcasing the unique blend of sonorities and extended techniques of each instrument.  Blair’s Umo’Ho’Ti was premiered in 2024 with the Berks Sinfonietta (Reading, PA) conducted by David McConnell, with subsequent performances with the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh under the baton of Edward Leonard. 

In 2024, Ataraxia Duo hosted a Composer LabFest (the third in an ongoing series of composition workshops hosted by Heartland Marimba) to work directly with composers worldwide and create new works specifically for this duo. These new works were premiered in Minneapolis, MN (Center for Performing Arts) in September 2025. Through the commissioning of new works and the arrangement of existing music, Ataraxia Duo seeks to present concert programs that highlight this unique combination of stringed instruments and share this unique sonic experience with new audiences.

Current programs

• Modern Elements – A program of new works commissioned or adapted for Ataraxia.

• Baroque Enlightenments – A concert of music written for the salterio (Baroque dulcimer) or harp and arranged by Ataraxia for their special instrument combination.

• Impressionistic Essences – French music arranged for Ataraxia.

Praise

“It was an absolute pleasure to work with Matthew Coley and Jennifer Ruggieri. Their virtuosity shines through in the performance of challenging repertoire, and their consistent professionalism and collegiality marks all of their work both with me as a conductor and with our entire ensemble. Beyond that, they possess a warmth, wit, and graciousness that characterizes their interactions with audiences, and they make a special effort to bridge the space between the stage and the seats, to create a wonderful atmosphere for listeners.” - Edward Leonard, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh

“Working with [Ataraxia Duo] proved to be a highlight of our season. Together, we performed the world premiere of Jonathan Blair's "Umo’Ho’Ti (Sacred Pole)," a concerto written specifically for this gifted duo. Working with Jennifer and Matthew was just wonderful - they are fabulous musicians and people. Putting this new work together enjoyable and enriching for all of us.” - Dr. David McConnell, Artistic Director of Berks Sinfonietta