brian haitz michael poelchau Simon pfisterer julius oppermann jonas weinfurtner

„..driving pipes-playing backed by a groove machine!“
„..catchy arrangements and beautitful harmonies to classic songs.“
„..with modern compositions, traditional songs, luscious vocal harmonies and thumping pipes and drums - they hit all the sweet spots!"

LUAS is a unique collective of musicians from diverse musical backgrounds led by irish trad multi-instrumentalist and singer
Brian Haitz. Firmly rooted in the celtic tradition, LUAS effortlessly expand the traditional sound with pop, world, rock and jazz influences, captivating new audiences with their own celtic folk fusion.

Their compositions are an infectious blend of catchy melodies and danceable grooves while traditional songs are tastefully updated with vocal harmonies and contemporary sounds. What sets LUAS apart further is their diverse repertoire - featuring everything from haunting airs, classic songs to gorgeous vocal harmonies and powerful pipes and drums.

This is world-class Celtic music infused with the modern sounds and grooves we all love - so let the electrifying music of LUAS take you to a world where old meets new and their celtic folk fusion has everyone singing, dancing and grinning from ear to ear!

five celtic musicians smiling and holding irish uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar, e-piano and drums

five men in different colour clothes posing for band photo in front of dark wooden boards

The band

A remarkable feature of LUAS is their two distinct lineups – one Irish, featuring uilleann pipes, and the other Scottish, showcasing the great highland pipes. This duality not only adds a unique flavor to their music, but also fosters a thriving creative exchange among celebrated musicians like Malin Lewis (scottish lineup) and Simon Pfisterer (irish lineup).
It also keeps their programm ever fresh and evolving and makes them uniquely well-adapted to all kinds of venues and concert situations.

Brian Haitz

Guitar, Vocals, Flute, Whistle

Born in Germany to an irish father and now living in France, it’s Brian’s „universal“ outlook that created LUAS and their celtic folk fusion. He grew up playing Irish traditional music on whistle, flute und guitar and - still a teenager - was awarded Young Musician of the Year 2009 at the renowned Sidmouth Folk Festival before moving on to a degree in music management. Through years of concerts and teaching workshops in irish accompaniment, he developed a unique style that merges his love for traditional melodies with modern fusion elements which now fuels LUAS’ music through his own compositions and ideas. Already being regarded as one of the best dadgad guitarists accompanists on the continent, it’s more recently his song interpretations and compositions that have earned him more acclaim.
Other projects and appearances include Bailé, Broom Bezzums, Paddy Keenan, Alan Doherty and Rüdiger Oppermann.
www.brianhaitz.de

Julius Oppermann

Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Julius grew up in a highly musical family, steeped in world music, and early from a young age played with top-class musicians from all over the world. He studied Latin American percussion in Rotterdam and became a sought-after studio and live musician. He can be heard in projects such as Buyakano, Rigolo, Klangwelten, SnapJacks and many more.

bald man with glasses posing with a violin

Michael Poelchau

Fiddle, Vocals

Michael's enthusiasm and genuine love for Irish music shines through in his skillful fiddling. His groovy and playful style brings a level of authenticity and excitement to his performances. You can also hear Michael playing with other groups such as Northern Light and An Tor.

well dressed man with dark clothes holding irish uilleann bagpipes

Simon Pfisterer

Uilleann Pipes, Guitar, Flute, Whistle

Simon's love of music began early when he began playing many European bagpipes before discovering his passion for the irish uilleann pipes. He studied Uilleann Pipes at the University of Limerick and graduated with honours in Irish Traditional Music
and Dance. Irish Music Magazine wrote: “sizzles with a wild youthful burst of energy,” and the NPU (Irish Society for Uilleann Pipes) officially added Simon to their online archive of live videos of important contemporary pipers in 2023.
Simon can be heard across Europe as he performs full-time with the bands 3onthebund and Cara.
www.simonpfisterer.com

Malin Lewis

Scottish Highland Pipes, Whistle, Fiddle

Malin is an award-winning queer bagpiper, fiddler and instrument-maker from Scotland. They marry deep traditional roots with adventurous innovation and studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland aswell as at Helsinki’s Sibelius Academy. Their solo album „Halocline“ is nominated for the scottish album of the year award (SAYA) and has been called „ear-bogglingly good“ (ATB) and „quite exceptional“ (klof).
They tour the UK extensively with their self-named trio.
www.malinlewis.co.uk

bearded man leaning on his upright keyboard

Jonas Weinfurtner

Keys, Vocals

Jonas studied piano at the renowned Pop Akademie in Mannheim and has extensive live experience in pop and rock music. His exquisite feeling for electronic sounds and samples gives LUAS their unique texture.

sound engineer selfie by his mixing desk at FOH

Oliver Metzger

sound engineering

Oliver is a sound engineer with over 30 years of experience, having worked with high-profile acts such as Crosby&Nash, Anna Maria Kaufmann and 50 Cent. He provides FOH sound, effects and samples, and has a personal passion for Celtic Rock. More information on his work at olivermetzger.de.