Rautavaara Duo

Instrument / Skill

Piano & Cello

Biography

The Rautavaara Duo is a cello and piano duo based in Manchester. They are currently in their second year of study in the Bachelor’s Programme at the Royal Northern College of Music. Since forming in 2023, they have worked primarily on sonatas by Rautavaara (of which they named themselves after), Martinu, and Macmillan. The duo has been fortunate to have had coaching with tutors such as the Paddington Trio, Petr Prause, Jonathan Fisher, and Donald Grant. The ensemble focuses mainly on exploring contemporary duo music, but also enjoy more canonical works. Comments about their playing are that their approach is “adventurous and intelligent”, with a “refined ensemble sound”. The Rautavaara Duo are really grateful to have the opportunity to play in this summer residency, and hope to spend the week learning and growing.

Lucian Amette Crosby, piano

Lucian is a pianist and composer originally from Hertfordshire now based in Manchester. He is in his second year at the Royal Northern College of Music, studying piano with Murray McLachlan and composition with Larry Goves.

Lucian was a member of the Aldeburgh Young Musicians programme from 2016-2021, being part of courses and performances with a hugely varied range of musicians and groups and involving numerous performances at Snape Maltings, Suffolk. He has also performed across the country including venues in London, Cambridge, Manchester, Southampton and Cardiff.

A dedicated chamber musician, Lucian has performed music from duos to quintets all throughout his musical endeavours, both in Cambridge whilst studying piano with Patrick Hemmerlé and now primarily in the north. Lucian is also passionate about contemporary music; and regularly works with other composers, premiering new works as well as performing music by established contemporary composers.

As a composer, Lucian has previously studied with James Olsen, as well as receiving courses, lessons or masterclasses with composers such as Tom Coult, Eugene Skeef, Mark Simpson, Zoe Martlew, Jack McNeill, Emily Howard and Steven Daverson. Lucian was a contributing member of the Cambridge Young Composers’ Network, through which he had works performed by groups such as the Phaedra Ensemble and the Explore Ensemble. Other recent collaborations include working with the Riot Ensemble, an installation at the Manchester Museum, and numerous groups within the RNCM.