Unseen//Unheard is the low-flute duo of Rose Bishop and Heather Neuenschwander, a fearless collaboration built on the belief that sound can be both resistance and revelation. Specializing in the rarely spotlighted voices of alto and bass flute, the duo pushes their instruments—and the tradition they come from—into radically new territory.

 

Their name, Unseen//Unheard, was intentionally chosen to highlight instruments that are too often sidelined in classical music. But the title runs deeper: just as low flutes are frequently overlooked, so too are the voices of women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color in the classical world. Rose and Heather are not just performers—they are amplifiers, disruptors, and advocates for a more inclusive and electrified musical future.

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Their latest project showcases a bold new body of work, entirely commissioned by the duo over the last three years and fully funded by the Iowa Arts Council. Each piece was composed by voices historically underrepresented in the canon, bringing fresh, fearless perspective to the underworld of low flutes. The result is a program that hums with urgency and breathes with intention—unafraid to take up space, make noise, and challenge expectations.

 

Unseen//Unheard thrives in the liminal: between sound and silence, tradition and experimentation, visibility and erasure. Whether performing in darkened halls, unexpected venues, or collaborative installations, Rose and Heather invite their audiences into a world where the margins take center stage—and every note dares to be heard.