Special Concert
Holiday Candlelight Concert
Ming Luke, conductor
MSO Associate Conductor & MSYO Music Director
Edna Mellis Chair
In constant demand as a conductor, pianist and educator, Ming Luke is known for his energetic performances. He is the Associate Conductor for both the Berkeley and Modesto Symphonies, and has an active career as a guest conductor; recent engagements include: San Francisco Ballet, Opera San José, Sacramento Opera, Napa Regional Dance Company, Sacramento Philharmonic, and Napa Valley Symphony.
Luke also serves as the Chorus Master for the Sacramento Opera. As a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir at Westminster Choir College, Luke performed with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New Jersey Symphony. He was also a staff conductor for the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and helped prepare the choir for such conductors as Charles Dutoit, André Previn, Mariss Jansons, and Lucas Richman.
A passionate educator, Luke has been involved with numerous youth ensembles throughout his career. He writes, conducts, and arranges music for over 20 concerts a year with the Berkeley Symphony as their Director and Conductor of the Education Programs in various School and Family Concerts. He is the Music Director for both the Napa Valley Youth Symphony and the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra and is a frequent guest for student ensembles. He has served on grant panels for the National Endowment of the Arts and the Grants and Cultural Committee of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.
Ming Luke holds a Master of Fine Arts in Conducting from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.