Lumas Winds, woodwind

Lumas Winds are committed ambassadors for wind chamber music and the rich variety of repertoire it offers. As winners of numerous prizes, regularly featuring at festivals and music clubs up and down the UK, they have firmly established themselves as a group to watch and have been described as an ‘effervescent wind quintet, lively in their performance style and enterprising in their choice of repertoire’ (Seen and Heard International).

The ensemble released their debut album, The Naming of Birds, in May 2024 for Champs Hill records. The disc highlights their passion as advocates for works that deserve recognition and was described by Andrew McGregor as ‘an excellent and highly enjoyable survey of the British wind quintet from the early 1960s into this century’ (BBC Radio 3, Record Review). Six hidden gems feature from each decade from 1960 to 2010 including three world premiere recordings by Beamish, Higgins, and Maconchy. Prior to recording, the group won the Royal Academy of Music’s Historical Women Composers Prize for a performance of the Elizabeth Maconchy Wind Quintet (1980).

They are currently featured young artists with the Countess of Munster Recital Scheme as well as the Kirckman Concerts Society. The latter of which will see them make their King’s Place debut in May 2025. Prior to this the group were Tunnell Trust Young Artists, taking them on a tour of Scottish music clubs in February 2024; Britten Pears Young Artists, which provided them with a week long residency in Snape Maltings, exploring various contemporary works with the Montreal based Qautuor Bozzini, as well as the performance of a newly commissioned work by composer Marcello Palazzo; and Philip and Dorothy Green Young Artists through Making Music.

The group has featured at the Corbridge, Ironstone, Winchester, and Lake District chamber music festivals - this has included performances of Poulenc’s Sextet alongside Benjamin Frith and Huw Watkins as well as collaborations with other esteemed musicians like Lucy and Kate Gould, Ralph de Souza, and Rosalind Ventris. They made their Wigmore Hall debut in June 2023 with an energised performance of Lalo Schifrin’s La Nouvelle Orleans.

Lumas evolved through friendships formed at the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, with the ensemble being established in 2018. This has resulted in a strong bond between its members, carrying the group forward with confidence in its shared vision. The group presents diverse and varied programmes, framing lesser known works alongside classics of the canon, and their concerts embrace verbal introductions which illuminate the thinking behind their fresh and eclectic approach. Their chemistry on stage was highlighted as winners of the 71st Royal Over-Seas League Mixed Ensemble Prize.

Upcoming engagements include the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Huddersfield Music Society, and the season opening concert for Gloucester Music Society.

Beth Stone - Flute

Chris Vettraino - Oboe

Benjamin Hartnell-Booth - French Horn

Flo Plane - Bassoon

Rennie Sutherland - Clarinet