Clymer & Kurtz is a contemporary folk singer-songwriter duo from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia — an “exquisite,” “subtle,” “always imaginative,” and “soul filling” pair who have been partners in life and music for more than two decades.

Maria Clymer (vocals, guitar, piano, light percussion) and Christopher Kurtz (vocals, guitar) seamlessly blend intense and gentle melodies textured with harmonies, agile and inventive guitar playing, and sometimes piano or percussion, crafting music that is at once simple and rich, emotive and unique.

Over the Rhine described their 2023 EP What If You Knew, “It’s all so lovely with a quietness that makes it feel like a surprise when eyes suddenly fill with tears. Beautiful.”

Maria has worked as a bilingual home/school liaison, adult English instructor, and church music director, and sings with the women’s vocal ensemble Shekinah. Christopher has taught middle school English and worked as a radio journalist, university marketing writer, and director of development for a college-access nonprofit.

Their combined music experiences include community choirs, a jazz ensemble, rock and Americana bands, and piano and guitar accompaniment and teaching. They perform as a duo and are available for house concerts, festivals, community events, private parties, and more.