Luminous Duo is a Chicago-based chamber ensemble, formed in 2023, comprising Lewis Rawlinson (cello) and Mo Xu (piano). They first began performing together when Lewis was seeking a pianist for his autobiographical solo play with music titled Nervous Breakdown in G Minor. The play features a demanding range of repertoire, and they were fortunate to find each other as collaborators who shared the technical prowess and artistic flexibility required to navigate a play-workshop process. They have since performed Nervous Breakdown in G Minor together at The Den Theatre in Chicago, Theo Ubique in Evanston, and are thrilled to be presenting it this summer at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre July 17-19.

               Luminous Duo has also presented concerts in Chicago and Indianapolis, featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Sibelius, Franck, Debussy, and Piazzolla. Next, they will present a concert of works by queer composers, including Barber, Poulenc, and Corigliano, at The CheckOut in Chicago on May 23rd. The event will also raise funds for Season of Concert, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting theatre artists and musicians, originally formed in response to the AIDS epidemic.

               Luminous Duo is committed to illuminating works by composers from underrepresented communities, engaging in performance narratives and advocacy that promotes greater understanding and inclusion in the classical arts, and presenting entertaining and informative events with a focus on the Romantic and Modern periods.