Welcome to luminatus vocal ensemble
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
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
‘The singing is superb’
Edinburgh Music Review
luminatus vocal ensemble is currently directed by David Bray – please use this link to contact him.
The idea behind this disc is fabulous Fanfare Magazine
‘An excellent showcase
for their a cappella sound,
a selection of previously
unrecorded works from their
favoured musical domains.’
Laudate Magazine
‘The performance here is
cogent, varied, well thought
out, and entirely convincing —
quite a coup for this
unheralded ensemble.’
Fanfare
‘The performances were
always full of interest and
pleasure… David Bray and
luminatus must be
congratulated warmly.’
Organists Review
‘The disc comes alive in the
modern works, particularly
Dunphy’s haunting Magnificat
and McDowall’s more
strident settings.’
Cathedral Music Magazine
