Welcome to luminatus vocal ensemble

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About us

We promote new early and Contemporary music in the UK. We create imaginative concerts, recordings and education projects, taking listeners on a journey through time, and from the known to the unknown. Audiences comment positively on our superb sound, sense of connection and friendly approach. Recent reviews have described us as ‘spellbinding’ and a ‘choir of exceptional ability’, with a ‘rich and full’ sound. This reflects the quality of the singers, who are all established soloists, working as ‘first amongst equals’ by singing within the ensemble, or taking solos. You can hear us on all major streaming services, but we recommend listening to a CD for an insight into what we sound like. Or, even better, come to a concert. The experience of hearing us live is where the magic starts.

We plan concerts which provide pleasure for those who are tempted to try Renaissance, contemporary, or other styles of vocal music for the first time. We often plan programmes which take an audience on a journey across time, cultures and styles. Listeners often say they find our concerts to be relaxing, enjoyable and also inspiring. Others appreciate the opportunity to engage with familiar pieces, and the chance to listen to unknown repertoire. They also note how a sequence of music which brings these together provides rich rewards. Many reflect on the amazing and rich quality of the sound,.

Superbly recorded and performed with stylish polish by the voices of luminatus, this is a release that should bring refined delight to everyone keen on excellent choral music both ancient and modern

Music Web International

Our key repertoire

We perform a broad and eclectic range of repertoire. The focus in recent recordings has been newly discovered, or edited, Renaissance pieces. The ensemble has shone a light on the music of Tiburtio Massiano, Ippolito Baccusi and Francesco Stivori, as well as recording extended and unrecorded pieces by Phillipe de Monte and Francisco Guerrero. These ‘new’ pieces are often set alongside contemporary compositions, with a recent focus on female composers. We have featured compositions by Cecilia McDowall, Melissa Dunphy, Becky McGlade, Agneta Sköld, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Eleanor Daley, Kerry Andrew and Rosa Elliott. We enjoy performing ‘new’ music within the context of imaginative programmes. We aim to take the listener on a cultural and spiritual journey across time, space and musical style. This highlights links and differences between styles, bringing the audience into a relationship between these pieces. We also perform more standard repertoire, including using a period instrument orchestra where required.

The voices of luminatus strike me as uplifting and positive in the best way – not in any way forced or artificial, but naturally bright and lively in colour, even where the music is minor-key and more profound or dolorous.

Music Web International

Our unique style

We consider carefully what it means to use historically informed practice within early music.  We carry out research into high quality pieces which are rarely performed, and may not have been recorded before. Our singers adjust their sound and style to reflect the context of the music and its cultural heritage. We reflect the way that relatively little is known about vocal sound, style or phrasing within some historical contexts. Our focus is on creating warmth, with a rich and resonant timbre. Finding meaning and context within the music is our guide. We aim to take the listener on a journey which enhances discovery, emotion and engagement.

The unfamiliar Renaissance material is of high quality and is performed with languid elegance by the ensemble.

Early Music Review

Recent and future recordings

We have recorded many pieces which have not previously been available. These are available via the main streaming services, or you can purchase recent recordings by visiting the shop page on this site. Here you will find a range of ‘new’ great pieces. Some are Renaissance gems, whilst others are more contemporary. Almost all will not have been recorded before. If you are a composer and would like us to perform or record one of your pieces please use the ‘contact us’ link. We make no promises, but are genuinely interested in hearing from you.

The luminatus vocal ensemble sings with excellent balance and warmth, whether with gentle restraint or incisive power in this wide-ranging programme.

Church Music Quarterly

Concert and project location

We perform in a wide range of venues and enjoy new opportunities to bring high quality music to audiences. We have experience in developing education projects in schools or music hubs, and wish to link with other creative organisations. Our singers are mostly based in the East Midlands and East of England, but we are happy to travel. Distance and location are not limitations. If you would like to discuss how we can put on a performance, help to plan an education project, or collaborate in other ways please get in touch.

A fascinating selection of Renaissance and Contemporary choral music… unified principally by the excellent singing of this young 20-voice choir, and the experienced direction of David Bray.

Laudate Magazine

Coming up

Fotheringhay September 19 19.30. An event not to miss!

Join Luminatus Vocal Ensemble and Cantata Dramatica, as we present an inspiring programme of great music focused on the life of Mary Queen of Scots. Luminatus will performing Rennaissance music by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis and Claudin de Sermisy. The second half will offer the première (outside London) of Eight Days, an opera by Louis Mander, with libretto by soprano Louisa Petaï, who also sings the role of Mary. It provides a moving and emotional account of the last days of Mary Queen of Scots in Fotheringhay, based on her letters and other contemporary historical sources. Tickets available here.

Ely Cathedral October 13th 19.30 – Harmonies of heaven and earth – This concert reflects the relationship between music, religion and secular entertainment. It features early music by Tallis, Guerrero, Campion, Dowland (@ 400) and Marenzio, as well as lesser known pieces by Massaino and Festa. The second half draws the listener towards great music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with pieces by Parry, Britten (died 1976) and Kerry Andrew. Ticket link coming soon.

St Andrews Bedford November 07 – Call to Remembrance– A sequence of music which includes Renaissance gems by Jacquet de Mantua, Farrant and Guerrero. It celebrates the work of Britten (died 1976), and includes some tributes to those who have given their lives in service, including pieces by Parry, Greenhow and a premiere by Jamie W. Hall. Ticket link coming soon.

St John the Baptist Billesdon – Veni Veni Emmanuel – Join us for an atmospheric programme of advent music across the ages, by candle light. We will perform a wide range of great music, including some well known and unknown carols. Ticket link coming soon.

This courageous, audibly enthusiastic and enterprising group takes ownership in committed performances

Choir and Organ

David Bray’s singers give every word, Latin or English, equal weight and sweetness, each text delivered with an admirable clarity… a genuine triumph.

Choir and Organ

Featuring a wonderful mass by Phillipe de Monte, based on Ancor che col partire by Cipriano de Rore. Plus a host of Renaissance delights by Stivori, Massaino, Baccusi, Verdelot. With wonderful contemporary settings by Cecilia McDowall, Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Rosa Elliott.

Order a copy now!

This is a release that should bring refined delight to everyone keen on excellent choral music both ancient and modern

Music Web International

Luminatus under David Bray offers some fine performances here…

A positively seraphic performance….

Fanfare magazine