Ventus Aura Wind Quintet

Royal College of Music, YMF 2002

Ventus Aura was formed in September 2000 with the aim of exploring a wide variety of wind chamber music. Having played together as principals in the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra, its members decided to collaborate to perform works ranging from wind duos to piano sextets. Within a month of this collaboration, the group won the RCM’s prestigious wind ensemble prize, before going on to win the Kathleen Long and Douglas Whittaker prizes.

In April 2001, Ventus Aura was invited to attend the Tunnell Trust’s residential course based at Strathgarry House, Scotland. Following the success of their performances, they subsequently gave a recital promoted by the Trust at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. In August 2001, the quintet received the Fossatt Summer Award for Chamber Ensembles. This involved a week’s residency at the Chateau du Fossatt in southern France, where they gave several successful recitals.

Ventus Aura continues to perform widely throughout London and beyond. Venues include the National Gallery, Stonyhurst College and the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House. In February 2002, Ventus Aura undertook a tour of Singapore (supported by the Royal College of Music), giving several recitals as well as coaching various school ensembles and in May, they will perform at the Royal National Theatre, London.

Programme details | Pictures from 2002