Ming Luke - Biography

Photo by Adrian Mendoza

In June 2011, Ming Luke became BCCO's Music Director, only the third in its 45-year history. In constant demand as a conductor, pianist, and educator, Ming is known for his energetic performances. He has an active career as a conductor, with recent engagements that include San Francisco Ballet, Opera San José, Sacramento Opera, Napa Regional Dance Company, Sacramento Philharmonic, and Napa Valley Symphony.

As a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir at Westminster Choir College, Ming 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, Ming 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 its Director and Conductor of the Music Education Program through its various School and Family Concerts.  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 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.