Conductor and Pianist Ming Luke is the Director and Conductor for the Berkeley Symphony education programs, the Chorus Master for the Sacramento Opera, the Assistant Conductor for the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the Modesto

Symphony, and the General Director of the Napa Valley Youth Symphony.

Prior to his appointments in Northern California, he was a staff conductor for the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and helped prepare the choir for such conductors as Charles Dutoit, André Previn, Mariss Jansons, Michael Stern and Lucas Richman.

As a pianist, he has been described as “passionate” and “intelligently sensitive” and made his debut at Carnegie Hall’s recital hall at age 18. He has been in constant demand as a coach, collaborative pianist and concert pianist. He recently performed as piano soloist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and has performed as a keyboardist with many ensembles around Pittsburgh.

Recognized nationally for his work in music education, Luke has been involved with numerous youth ensembles during his career and was President of the largest collegiate chapter of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). He has experience with the major music education systems and methods including: Orff, Gordon, Dalcroze, Kodály and Suzuki. He has served as a panalist for the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA).

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. Luke studied at the Pierre Monteux School and has served on the Grants and Cultural Committee of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.