Rising Wind Quintets Shine in Lyon

In both recital rounds, the different ensembles played a free programme that included a compulsory work commissioned to french composer, Thibault Perrine, "Alchimie". After these colorful and demanding performances, the jury—composed of Carlo Colombo (bassoon, chair), Shirley Brill (clarinet), Philippa Davies (flute), Hervé Joulain (horn) and Alexei Ogrintchouk (oboe),—selected the three finalists: Quintetris from Lyon, the Vienta Quintet from Vienna, and Lumas Winds from London.

Quintetris impressed the Jury with Fazil Say's composition, Alevi Dedeler raki masasinda, which was also performed by the Vienta Quintet who delivered powerful music with Tzigane by Valerie Coleman; the Lumas Winds also passionately shared a piece by Valerie Coleman, the n°2 Vocalise and n°1 Afro from the Afro Cuban Concerto. 

The final took place at the Salle Molière, located on the banks of the Saône. The hall was recently renovated and offers very good acoustics. The previous evening, it hosted the wind section of the Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine, which performed Mozart’s Gran Partita.

Each finalist presented a free-choice program of approximately 40 minutes, including one work from the quintet-and-harp repertoire. The Competition offered three options—Dmitri Shostakovich’s 24 Preludes, Op. 34; Maurice Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye; and Claude Debussy’s Children’s Corner. All arrangements were by Fabrice Pierre, with harp accompaniment by Sophie Bellanger.
Quintetris performed Ravel’s Ma Mère l’Oye, focusing on blend and dynamic contrast. Their program also included an arrangement from West Side Story, which provided stylistic contrast.

The Vienta Quintet presented a program that emphasized stage presentation alongside musical performance. In Henri Tomasi’s 5 danses profanes et sacrées, they incorporated coordinated movement elements.
The Lumas Winds presented a program marked by precise ensemble playing and consistent balance. Their repertoire included an arrangement of the third movement of Bach’s Organ Concerto No. 2, as well as works by Hindemith (Kleine Kammermusik) and Ravel.
The jury evaluated the finalists based on performance quality, program construction, and ensemble cohesion. The overall level of the final was high across all participating groups.

At the conclusion of the competition, Lumas Winds was awarded First Prize. Second Prize went to the Vienta Quintet, and Third Prize to Quintetris.

Based in London, Lumas Winds is an ensemble acclaimed for its commitment to broadening the diversity of the wind chamber music repertoire. Described as “an ensemble to watch” by BBC Radio 3, it won First Prize at the Royal Over-Seas League Mixed Ensemble Competition. Supported by numerous UK institutions, the group is also a laureate of the Britten Pears Young Artists Programme. In May 2024, Lumas Winds released its debut album The Naming of Birds on Champs Hill Records, featuring three world premieres. Deeply dedicated to education and outreach, the ensemble is in residence at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Its members perform regularly with major European orchestras, enriching the ensemble’s cohesion and artistic depth.

Based in Vienna, the Vienta Quintet is a dynamic wind ensemble bringing together five musicians with international backgrounds. With extensive experience as soloists and orchestral players, its members share a deep passion for chamber music. VIENTA places creativity, boldness, and inclusivity at the heart of its artistic vision, drawing on influences from all cultures and genres. The ensemble seeks to create transformative musical experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. With an adventurous and joyful approach, the quintet blends cultural diversity with artistic innovation, inviting audiences on a musical journey that celebrates creativity, unity, and empowerment.

Quintetris is a wind quintet founded in 2021 by five students from the CNSMD of Lyon, brought together by a shared desire to explore new repertoire and strengthened by a deep friendship. With a strong commitment to musical outreach, the ensemble performs in schools, hospitals, and community centers as well as at festivals such as Retour Vers le Classique and the Mardis Musiques in Angoulême. They have performed at the Auditorium of Lyon and at the Théâtre de l’Île O in a staged version of Peter and the Wolf directed by actor Loïc Richard. In October 2024, the quintet won Second Prize in the artistic category of the Maxence Larrieu International Competition in Nice. Their repertoire blends classical works with original arrangements of film music and musical theatre.

Winners
First Prize: Lumas Winds
Second Prize: Vienta Quintet
Third Prize: Quintetris

Jury
Carlo Colombo (bassoon, chair), Shirley Brill (clarinet), Philippa Davies (flute), Hervé Joulain (horn) and Alexei Ogrintchouk (oboe)

Artists
Sophie Bellanger, harpist; Fabrice Pierre (quintet and harp pieces arrangements); Thibault Perrine, composer