Luke Spence

Luke Spence
Trumpet

Dr. Luke Spence enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, educator, and recording artist. He is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music, second trumpet of the South Florida Symphony, and a member of the chamber groups Anima Brass and the Potsdam Brass Quintet. He is proud to be a performing artist for both S.E. Shires Co. and Denis Wick Products.

Praised by Fanfare Magazine for his “great artistry”, labeled “exquisite” by the International Trumpet Guild Journal, and hailed as “a true expert in phrasing” by the National Association of College Wind & Percussion Instructors Journal, Spence is known for his impact on the genre of vocal transcriptions. His debut solo album “20th Century Art Songs” is recognized for its unique approach and emphasis on repertoire seldom explored by instrumentalists. In 2023, the album was honored as a finalist for The American Prize. Spence also can be heard with Anima Brass on the album “All Life Long” featuring the music of celebrated post-minimalist composer Kali Malone. Upon its release, “All Life Long” was named Pitchfork’s “Best New Album”, The Guardian’s “Album of the Week”, and rose to the #4 spot on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart. Critics have called Anima’s contributions “enthralling” and said the album will “pull on the listener’s heartstrings” and leave them in “a state of transcendental bliss”. As a freelance orchestral musician, Spence has performed with numerous ensembles including the National Philharmonic, Washington Chamber Orchestra, Fairfax Symphony, Lancaster Symphony, Reading Symphony, Mid Atlantic Symphony, New Orchestra of Washington, and the Orchestra of Northern New York.

A firm believer that music has the power to be an agent of social change, Spence serves as Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the International Trumpet Guild. Spence is also the General Manager and a founding Board of Directors member for the International Pride Orchestra (IPO), a non-profit charity orchestra that brings together LGBTQIA+ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQIA+ causes. Spence recently founded IPO’s Artist Recital Series, which began with his solo recital “‘Wouldn’t That Be Queer?’ Reframing the Traditional Narrative”. The program was presented in seven US cities and will be performed this August at the 2024 International Women’s Brass Conference in Mito, Japan.

Spence is delighted to be returning to AIMS for a third season.

For more information, please visit lukespencetrumpet.com