About us
luminatus vocal ensemble is a small and flexible group of highly acclaimed professional singers. Recent reviews have described them as ‘spellbinding’ and a ‘choir of exceptional ability’. Their ‘rich and full’ sound reflects the quality of the singers, who are all established soloists. They work as ‘first amongst equals’, singing within the ensemble, or taking more extended solos as required. You can hear us on all major streaming services. However, we recommend listening to a CD to experience an insight into what we sound like or, even better, come to a concert. Even a CD can not replicate the experience of hearing us live.
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
Repertoire
luminatus vocal ensemble performs a broad and eclectic range of repertoire, using a period instrument orchestra where required. The focus in recent recordings has been newly discovered, or edited, Renaissance pieces. The ensemble has shone a light on Tiburtio Massiano and Ippolito Baccusi, as well as recording extended pieces by Phillipe de Monte and Francesco Guerrero. These ‘new’ pieces are often set alongside contemporary compositions, especially by female composers. The group has featured compositions by Cecilia McDowall, Melissa Dunphy, Becky McGlade, Agneta Sköld, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Eleanor Daley, Kerry Andrew and Rosa Elliott. The juxtaposition promotes often neglected repertoire, and creates a relationship which highlights links and differences between musical genres.
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
Style
The ensemble considers carefully what it means to use historically informed practice, whilst focusing on a warm, rich and resonant sound. We carry out research into high quality pieces which are rarely performed, and may not have been recorded before. We love to create concerts which take take listeners on a journey. This might be through time, from the known to the unknown, from sacred music to secular pieces. Each programme is carefully curated, enticing the listener on a journey which enriches the soul.
The unfamiliar Renaissance material is of high quality and is performed with languid elegance by the ensemble.
Early Music Review
Recordings
You can purchase recent recordings by visiting the shop page in this site. Here you will find a range of ‘new’ great pieces. Some are Renaissance gems, whilst others are 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 new music.
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
Location
We perform in a wide range of venues and enjoy new opportunities to bring high quality music to audiences, develop education projects in schools or music hubs, and link with other creative organisations. We are mainly based in the East Midlands and East of England, but 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
What is coming up?
Fotheringhay September 19 – part of a concert featuring music by Tallis, Byrd and Phillipe de Monte, plus the world premiere of an opera about Mary Queen of Scots
Ely Cathedral on October 13th – Harmonies of heaven and earth – a sequence of wonderful music for voices
St Andrews Bedford November 07 – For the fallen – a sequence of music which includes some tributes those who have given their lives in service
St John the Baptist Billesdon – Veni Veni Emmanuel – advent music across the ages by candle light
Hear about news or offersSing with us Donate to support us Become a trustee Become a VIP and support usThis 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
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
luminatus vocal ensemble is currently directed by David Bray
