Lyrebird Ensemble, Flute

Biography

The Lyrebird Ensemble is an innovative flute and harp duo based in Chicago and formed in 2006. The Ensemble is dedicated to performing lesser known repertoire written specifically for flute and harp from the late eighteenth century to the present day.  Recent performances include a live broadcast on the 98.7WFMT radio network, National Flute Association Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mid Atlantic Harp Festival, Mid Atlantic Flute Fair, Wisconsin Flute Festival, Illinois Flute Society, Chicago Flute Club, the American Harp Society chapter’s inaugural recital in Davenport, Iowa, North Park University, Augustana College, and the Fourth Presbyterian Church Noonday Concerts in Chicago.  The Lyrebird Ensemble’s recording “Taking Flight” introduces a unique program of modern virtuosic compositions for the flute and harp.

Flutist Ellen Huntington, a Miyazawa Artist, is on the faculty at Loyola University Chicago and North Park University. She is second flute with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. A frequent recitalist, she has been a featured artist at the Kennedy Center, Chicago Cultural Center, the University of Chicago, and several National Flute Association conventions. She is a winner of the Northwestern University Concerto Competition and the Union League Civic and Arts Foundation Award. As the recipient of a Fulbright Grant, Ellen Huntington studied at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Stuttgart, Germany. Ms. Huntington received the Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University and was awarded a University Fellowship for a Master’s degree at Ohio State University. She completed her doctorate at Northwestern University.

Harpist Lillian Lau is in demand as an orchestral musician, educator, solo harpist and chamber music recitalist in Chicago and the Midwest. Her extensive orchestral engagements include performing as guest principal harpist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and MusicNOW, Grant Park Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, National Repertory Orchestra (Colorado), Elgin Symphony Orchestra, in major concert halls throughout Europe. Ms. Lau is currently the Principal Harpist of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.  She has participated in critically acclaimed performances with Placido Domingo, Samuel Ramey, and John Williams. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, as well as the prestigious Performer's Certificate, from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Professional Diploma in Orchestral Studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts.