The Ayan Duo, violinist/violist Julia Kuzmina and pianist Yanzhima Tsybikova, formed their ensemble in 2023 while studying chamber music with a renowned pianist Lambert Orkis at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. Born in Siberia, Russia, Julia and Yanzhima received their early musical training at some of Russia’s most prestigious institutions, shaping their disciplined and expressive approach to performance. Their collaboration is rooted in a shared musical background and a strong commitment to ensemble performance. Their repertoire ranges from violin–piano sonatas, including works by César Franck and Maurice Ravel, to viola–piano duets by Johannes Brahms, Paul Hindemith, and Rebecca Clarke, reflecting their versatility and interest in both traditional and expanded chamber literature. In 2025, both musicians were recipients of the Donald Spieth Memorial Award as members of the Meridian Quintet.