Lewis’ musical journey began at the age of four when his incessant plunking at the piano forced his parents to enrol him lessons. After exploring the piano, violin and cello, Lewis discovered the trumpet. He studied with Thomas Eves and obtained an internship with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) before commencing his studies at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) with Mark Carter. Lewis completed a Bachelor of Music in 2023.
After moving to Wellington in 2021, Lewis performed with a variety of ensembles, including the CSO, Wellington Brass Band, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), and Orchestra Wellington, where he is currently Associate Principal Trumpet.
Lewis was a member of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra from 2019-2023, playing principal trumpet in 2023 under Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero. 2023 also saw him win the Wellington Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition - where he also held the principal trumpet position - affording him the opportunity to perform Alexander Arutunian’s Trumpet Concerto with the orchestra.
The NZSO awarded Lewis an Alex Lindsay Award in 2022, and in 2023 he was awarded a Therle Drake Award for Excellence in Music by NZSM.
Lewis is in his third year at ANAM in 2026, studying with Yoram Levy and David Elton. Since moving to Melbourne, he has had the opportunity to perform with the Auckland Philharmonia, West Australian and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.
Lewis is passionate about all music, from opera to avant garde jazz, and aspires to be an orchestral trumpet player. He is excited to continue his studies at ANAM this year, enjoying the opportunity to travel around Melbourne and Australia doing what he loves.
Outside of music, Lewis is a passionate reader. He also enjoys spending time in nature, cooking classic dishes, and is almost never seen without a gourd of Mate in his hand.
FROM: NZ / Aotearoa.
Lewis is supported by ANAM Syndicate donor Geoffrey Clarke.
Photo by Pia Johnson