ABOUT MARGARET (PEG) LUKE

Flute

“All in all, a remarkable success.”
Robert Matthew-Walker for the British Musical Opinion

“A packed Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, greeted flutist Margaret Cornils Luke.  Her phrasing in the Poulenc Sonata, in the opening of the Cantilena was pure perfection, and the last movement (presto giocoso) displayed an impressive third-octave technique and clear double-tonguing.  The virtuosic variations of the Genin, Carnival of Venice exploited all the tricks up the flutist’s sleeve. Cornils was up to the challenge and the audience rewarded her with a standing ovation.” by Barrett Cobb for New York Concert Review; New York, NY

Margaret Cornils Luke has never been known to follow the normal path of an artist.  Beginning with piano at the age of 5 and flute at the age of 7, Cornils Luke has carved out her own original journey utilizing not only her flute skills, but her piano and compositional skills as well.  Becoming a sought after accompanist, as well as a recorded and published composer has helped round out Margaret, the flutist.

Margaret Cornils Luke was first inspired by Jeanne-Pierre Rampal early on, where she heard him perform live several times.  She knew from that early age, she wanted to make music and the flute her life.  She was urged on by scholarships awarded her to attend Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.  She quickly won the coveted Concerto Competition when she was just a sophomore.  She would also perform on stage with the likes of Isaac Stern and Mstislav Rostropovich during these years.  She was asked to return to Northern Illinois University on full scholarship where she received her Master in Music Performance.  Several years later, she would begin her Doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, but performing and teaching at the college level would take her away from pursuing her degree.  She was also strongly urged to “give up college” all together from one of her private teachers, famous British flutist, Geoffrey Gilbert and “go out and just play the flute”.

Margaret Cornils Luke has done just that, performing 11 solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, New York, New York.  She has made her international debut at Cadogan Hall in October of 2015.  She has brought numerous musicians with her during this time, along with performing her own works and new works of others.  She has performed at the National Flute Convention held annually by the National Flute Association.  She has also been asked to judge their International Young Artist Competition for several years, being the youngest on esteemed juries.  She has been a guest artist with National Public Radio and film star, Garrison Keillor.  Margaret was just featured on National NPR Radio WXPN out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She has been a featured artist on National Public Television.  Margaret has also performed many times on the National Public Radio show, LIVE from the Chazen.  Margaret has also soloed with many different orchestras and wind ensembles, including the esteemed bass flute solo of Clifton Williams, Pandean Fable, which has received worldwide critical review and National Public Radio, Wind and Rhythm attention.   Margaret has also performed at previous National Flute Conventions and judged the NFA Young Artist competition for several years.   She also has a new flute competition named after her.  Catch the news on the Montana Flute Association site under CedarLuke Young Artist Flute Competition!

Margaret Cornils Luke continues to bring new and interesting repertoire to the forefront of her efforts.  This includes promoting and commissioning many new works, such as “Fluting Around” by famous Mohican composer, Brent Michael Davids.  In this 25 minutes long creation, Margaret not only plays the modern flute but two Native American flutes, making for a new and unique adventure for the concert goer.  She also has commissioned works by famous US composers, Gary Schocker and Michael Gilbertson.  Margaret is also busy with her own commissions.  She is premiered her first flute sonata at Merkin Hall (Kaufmann Music Center, NYC) April 2017.  Margaret is currently working with internationally known composer, Kenneth Fuchs on his first flute concerto.  Margaret is also working with multi Grammy award winning musician, composer, arranger and producer Neal Merrick Blackwood on a special spiritual project called “Psalm Space”, which will hopefully affect many listeners.  Be watching for those projects.

Margaret Cornils Luke is also a published and recorded composer.  She loves to write for flute, piano and voice.  She has just completed a commission for the vocal group, Perfect Harmony celebrating their 20 years as a group.  You can purchase her works on SheetMusicPlus.com and Fred Bock/Hal Leonard.

Margaret Cornils Luke has taught at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Hamline University, Concordia University, College of St. Catherine (all located in St. Paul, Minnesota), Loras College and Clarke University (located in Dubuque, Iowa) and has performed and done many masterclasses all over the US.  Margaret Cornils Luke flute teachers include Geoffrey Gilbert, Charles Delaney, Jacob Berg, Tadeu Coelho, Mary Louise Poor, Gale Coffee and Peter Middleton.

Margaret Cornils Luke performs on a gold Williams flute with a Schocker headjoint.  Margaret has recorded several CD’s and has new CD out under the Centaur music label, featuring Maestro Christopher Petrie and the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of London!  This CD is available online!

Margaret has founded a new chamber music group comprised of violin, cello, clarinet and flute (piano).  It was called, Spill Your Beans! and has its own new CD out from CD Baby titled, “DeCaf!”.  This new CD is available online!

Margaret is also an avid photographer.  She has her own shop that sells her work in both canvas, metal and clothing form.  You can purchase her work at ShopVida and Society6.

Margaret and her husband Jack just made a move to St. Augustine, Florida with their two dogs, Rhumba and Samba.