Luba Tunnicliffe is a versatile performer and enjoys a varied musical career playing both viola and violin. She has performed solo recitals at London’s Royal Festival Hall and St John's Smith Square, and made her debut as concerto soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra in June 2016. She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with David Takeno.

 

In 2011, while studying, she formed the Pelléas Ensemble; the dynamic flute, viola and harp trio released their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Nature and the Imagination’ on Linn Records in June 2021. They perform much of their music from memory and have been praised for their compelling performance and intimate connection with audiences. As strong advocates for this unusual combination of instruments, they have commissioned four new pieces and produced many of their own arrangements. They have received awards from the Royal Overseas League, the Tillett Trust, the Tunnell Trust and are a Britten Pears Chamber Ensemble in Residence for 2023.

 

Luba has been a member of the Ruisi Quartet since 2016. They have performed extensively across the UK and abroad, participated in the prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition, IMS Prussia Cove and the Britten-Pears Young Artists Programme. In November 2022 they gave the première of Novenyek by Thomas Adès in the Wigmore Hall, London, and their debut album “Big House” was released in February 2023 on Pentatone. 

 

In April 2022 Luba started a job as Principal Viola of the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. As a guest Principal, she has done freelance work with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and as an associate Principal with the Britten Sinfonia. 

 

As Principal Viola of the 12 ensemble, Luba has performed at the BBC Proms, the Barbican, the Wigmore Hall and End of the Road Festival and alongside artists such as Nick Cave, Jonny Greenwood, Kojey Radical and Laura Marling.