Luke died suddenly on 1st June 2018. He was loving life both at home and at work and died at home peacefully and happy.

Donations will give promising young musicians, from all over the world, the opportunity to come to the Musique dans le Gers Festival in Simorre, France, as well as supporting the local region in this very special part of France. They will play with, and learn from, some of the world’s best chamber musicians. Simorre is home to Luke’s Mum; a place he loved and spent many happy times.

Musique dans le Gers is a chamber music festival in the south west of France. It was born of the friendship between cellist David Cunliffe and Paul Martin, who were members of the renowned Balenesco Quartet. Paul is based in London and Simorre and David in Chicago. Following many visits to Simorre with Desiree Ruhstrat, celebrated violinist, the idea of bringing young musicians from Chicago to play in this wonderful setting was born. Add to the mix Aurelien Pederzoli and the quartet central to the festival was complete. Now in its third year, Musique dans le Gers puts on a series of concerts at the end of August in and around the village of Simorre. This year, four students from Chicago played with the quartet on small stages to big audiences along with guest musicians José Ferreira and Evan Orman. Projects for next year include a series of masterclasses, public rehearsals and concerts throughout the year.

http://www.musiquedanslegers.com/