Ming Luke, Assistant Conductor

Ming Luke is the Assistant Conductor of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has held since 2003.  He is also the General Director of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony, Chorus Master of the Sacramento Opera, and a staff conductor of the Berkely Symphony.  Prior to his appointment in Sacramento, he was a Staff Conductor for the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and prepared the choir for such conductors as Charles Dutoit, Andre Previn, Mariss Jansens, Michael Stern and Lucas Richman.  He was also the Conductor and President of the Pittsburgh chapter of the non-profit organization Participate America and organized, planned and directed events in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in tribute of the one-year anniversary of September 11th. He served as Music Director for the Opera Scenes Program at Carnegie Mellon University and founded the Carnegie Mellon Chamber Orchestra at the university. 

As a pianist, he has been described as "passionate" and "intelligently sensitive” and made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall at age 18.   He has been in constant demand as a coach, collaborative pianist and concert pianist and has served as music director for numerous opera and musical productions. He recently performed as piano soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Sacramento Philharmonic and has performed as a keyboardist with many ensembles around Pittsburgh.  He was recently featured on radio stations throughout Brazil accompanying baritone Igor Viera.

A passionate advocate for music education, Luke has been involved with numerous youth ensembles during his career and was president of the largest collegiate Music Educators National Conference (MENC). He has been recognized nationally for his work in music education and has much experience with the major music education systems and methods including: Orff, Gordon, Dalcroze, Kodaly and Suzuki. 

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. Mr. Luke serves on the Grants and Cultural Committee of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. Mr. Luke's website can be visited by clicking here .