The annual Leonard Bernstein Award presented at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival is to be made to French trumpet soloist Lucienne Renaudin Vary.

The 27 year old has gained critical acclaim in both the classical and jazz fields following the completion of her studies at the Paris Conservatory. Her debut album 'The Voice of the Trumpet' was released in 2017, followed by a second alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra in 2019 which was dedicated to Astor Piazzolla.

Four albums

In total she has released four albums on Warner Classics, including 'Trumpet Concertos' which in 2022 which featured those by Hummel, Neruda, Hayden, Arutiunian and Harry James.

First trumpet player

The award, first presented in 2002 is worth 20,000 Euros, and is seen as one of the most prestigious presented to musicians to assist them on international careers. Past winners include pianists Lang Lang and Isata Kabbah-Mason.

Lucienne Renaudin Vary is the first trumpet player and just the second brass musician to win the award since Felix Klieser.

Image: Simon Fowler