Merced Symphony welcomes new conductor

The Merced Symphony Association has announced the appointment of Ming Luke as its new resident interim conductor for the 2014-15 season.

Luke, 36, brings a lengthy résumé. He has worked with ensembles across the United States and United Kingdom, as well as in Russia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary and Austria.

Luke has conducted orchestras in San Francisco, New York, Napa Valley and San Jose, to name a few. But he is no stranger to the Central Valley, having previously worked with the Sacramento Opera and the Modesto Symphony.

The Mountain View-based conductor holds a master of fine arts in conducting degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor of music in music education and piano pedagogy from Westminster Choir College of Rider University.

Luke has also been recognized nationally for his innovative education programs, according to a news release from the Merced Symphony Association. He has written, arranged and performed more than 120 education concerts with the Berkeley Symphony, where he is also the associate conductor.

As the new resident interim conductor in Merced, his duties include helping with the season’s programming, engaging guest artists and helping with fundraising efforts.

Luke, who has watched the Merced Symphony perform several times in the past, said he is excited to start working with the symphony’s musicians and looks forward to their first concert.

“Merced (Symphony) has all the ingredients for a great arts organization,” Luke said when asked why he decided to take the position. “You have great musicians, a hardworking board of directors and the hall is actually quite nice.”

The public will have an opportunity to meet and greet the new conductor at the Music & Merriment Fundraiser on Oct. 11. Jesse Barrett, principal oboist for the Merced Symphony, will perform at the fundraiser.

Luke’s first concert with the Merced Symphony will be the annual Fall Classical Concert on Nov. 1 at the Merced Theatre. The program will include Mozart’s “The Magic Flute Overture,” Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe and Beethoven’s Symphony No 5.

“The music might be 100 years old, but when music is live, it feels new and special,” Luke said. “I hope the community comes out this season. We really do have great programming.”

Tickets are available at the Merced Theatre box office or online at mercedtheatre.org. Prices are $39 for adults and $14 for students.

For more information on the events, visit www.mercedsymphony.org.

This story was originally published September 19, 2014 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Merced Symphony welcomes new conductor ."