Instrument: Flute

Luke Russell began his undergraduate studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, winning a major scholarship to study there in 2006. During his time in Cardiff, Luke won the Solo Woodwind and Chamber Music Prizes, graduating with a First Class BMus(Hons) degree.

Luke continued his studies as a postgraduate on the Guildhall Artists Masters Orchestral Training Course, at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where he also won the Solo Woodwind Prize and graduated with Distinction.

In 2013 Luke successfully auditioned for the Co-Principal Flute position of Southbank Sinfonia, a one-year orchestral training academy based in London. With Southbank Sinfonia Luke performed at venues across Europe including Royal Festival Hall, Barbican Hall, Ischia, Anghiari and at the Paris Conservatoire.

Since leaving Southbank Sinfonia, Luke has been awarded trials with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. He is also an extra player for the Hallé orchestra. Recent highlights include performing at the iTunes Festival as part of an orchestra backing Miloš, Nicola Benedetti and Alison Balsom and also performances at the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms with BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Luke also teaches at the Junior Conservatoire of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.