"Few musical experiences can compare to the sound of unaccompanied human voices.
These singers showed that the voice reigns supreme in the world of music."
The unbound expressive potential of our original instrument: the human voice
Comprised of six professional singers, Luminescence Chamber Singers is a virtuosic vocal ensemble based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country [Canberra, Australia]. Performing music that spans Medieval chant and Renaissance polyphony as well as folk song, pop, and contemporary art music, Luminescence has rapidly emerged as one of Australia’s leading ensembles.
Recent performance highlights have included appearances at the Sydney Opera House (2023), City Recital Hall (2018), major collaborations with the National Museum of Australia (2022) and the National Gallery of Australia (2023), and Four Winds Festival (2019, 2020, 2022). Since 2017, Luminescence has appeared annually at the Canberra International Music Festival, performing in more than 16 festival programs including collaborations with many of Australia’s leading musicians: Ensemble Offspring, Bach Akadamie Australia. Luminescence presents an annual concert program in Canberra, Sydney and surrounding regions as well as appearing for a range of festivals, collaborations, and special events.
Luminescence works closely with conductor and director Roland Peelman AM, a regular guest conductor and artistic mentor for the ensemble.
Luminescence also delivers a range of educational activities, including workshops, young artist programs, masterclasses, holiday programs, including an acclaimed program for young performers: the Luminescence Children's Choir.
Luminescence Chamber Singers, photograph: HIlary Wardhaugh
Artists
AJ AMERICA
artistic director/mezzo soprano
bass
VERONICA MILROY
soprano
DAN WALKER
tenor
RACHEL MINK
soprano
LUCIEN FISCHER
baritone
Roland Peelman AM
Artistic Mentor
Since 2017, Luminescence has enjoyed a close relationship with Roland Peelman, who mentors the ensemble and appears regularly as a conductor/director.
Luminescence has collaborated with Peelman on numerous major projects, including Frank Martin Mass (2018), A Luminous Christmas (2020 - 2023), Of The Body (2023), Red Dirt Hymns (2024).
Born in Belgium, Roland Peelman has been active in Australia over 30 years as a conductor, pianist, artistic director and mentor to composers, singers and musicians alike. For his commitment to the creative arts in Australia, he has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Art Music National Luminary Award. In 2005 he recieved the NSW Award for “the most outstanding contribution to Australian Music by an individual’ and in 2006 he was named ‘musician of the year’ by the Sydney Morning Herald. He has since featured regularly as one of the most influential people in the Australian arts scene. Over a period of 25 years, he transformed The Song Company into one of Australia’s most outstanding and innovative ensembles. In addition, he instigated and directed an impressive list of new work, orchestral, vocal and operatic.
Roland worked for 7 years with Opera Australia (1984-91), as well as Music Director of Sydney Metropolitan Opera (1989-94) and the Hunter Orchestra in Newcastle (1990-97). Roland is currently the artistic director of Canberra International Music Festival.