Luke named conductor of Merced Symphony

The Merced Symphony Association recently bumped its interim conductor up to the full-time job, according to the symphony’s president.

Ming Luke, who has been in the interim spot since September, has been selected to be the full-time maestro. The announcement was made during Saturday’s Spring Concert in the Merced Theatre, Merced Symphony Association President Judy Edwina Smith said in a press release.

Graeme Mitchell, the association’s vice president, led a search committee process over the past several months, which included a widely distributed invitation for applications, interviews and evaluations of conductor candidates, the release stated.

“Ming has formed a connection with our community over this past year and shares a common vision with the board of what the symphony goals should be over the next few years,” the release stated.

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’s contract with the symphony is set for the next three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension, according to the release.

The symphony’s last full-time director, Henrik Jul Hansen, took his leave in June after more than a decade at the helm. His publicist said he made the decision for personal reasons.

“The board looks forward to working with maestro Luke to continue bringing the very best classical music to our community and to continue the legacy of live music for elementary students through concerts and educational programs,” according to a statement from the board.

The 58th season of the Merced Symphony begins in the fall, according www.mercedsymphony.org.

This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Luke named conductor of Merced Symphony."