Lumen Ensemble – ‘Portraits’

What does a portrait sound like? In this varied programme, the Lumen Ensemble explores how composers capture people, memories and emotions in music. Featuring works by Ravel, Mahler and Wagner, amongst others. A special highlight is Alain Ridout’s *Ferdinand de Stier*, a musical story for violin and narrator.

Notes on the programme‘
’ How do you capture a person in music? Can a composer achieve the same with sound as a painter does with paint or a writer with words?

In ‘Portraits’, the Lumen Ensemble explores how music brings people, memories and characters to life. Gustav Mahler’s moving declaration of love to Alma, Virgil Thomson’s musical portraits, Lera Auerbach’s childhood memories and Ravel’s dreamy *Pavane pour une infante défunte* each demonstrate a different way in which music can evoke a personality or a world. Wagner’s intimate *Albumblatt*, Satie’s subtle humour and Bloch’s poignant *Nigun* add their own distinctive voices to the mix.

A special highlight of the programme is Alain Ridout’s *Ferdinand de Stier*: a witty and moving musical story for violin and narrator, in which music and text combine to paint an unforgettable portrait.

With their colourful arrangements and refined ensemble playing, violinist Anastasia Kozlova and harpist Eva Tebbe shed new light on well-known masterpieces and lesser-known gems. A concert full of imagination, familiarity and human stories!

The musicians
The Lumen Ensemble was founded in 2019 by violinist Anastasia Kozlova and harpist Eva Tebbe. The name Lumen means ‘light’ and refers to inspiration, new ideas and surprising perspectives. With this in mind, the musicians develop original concert programmes in which well-known masterpieces and lesser-known repertoire come together.

The duo has a particular passion for creating their own arrangements and rediscovering forgotten musical gems. Through the unique combination of violin and harp, well-known compositions take on a new colour and sound, whilst lesser-known works are brought back to life. Their programmes are characterised by a strong theme, variety and a personal approach.

The Lumen Ensemble has performed at events including the Groeneveld Festival, Winter Evenings on the Amstel at the Hermitage Amsterdam, AVROTROS’s Spiegelzaal at the Concertgebouw, and various chamber music series throughout the Netherlands. In 2025, presenter and journalist Fons de Poel made a documentary about the ensemble, in which he explores their musical talent, the unique fusion of violin and harp, and their original approach to programming.