LUKE
FRAZIER
MUSIC
- GET TO KNOW LUKE
Celebrate the New Year with APO! Tune into PBS on December 31 at 8/7C for “United in Song: Ringing In The New Year Together.”
Hosted by Renée Fleming with Chris Jackson Premieres New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, on PBS And Streaming on PBS.org and the PBS Video App
Musical Performances from: Matt Doyle, Carolina Gaitán, Mandy Gonzalez, Natalie Grant, Joaquina Kalukango, Roman Mejia, MILCK, Ricardo Morales, Tiler Peck, Jacqueline Schwab, Reginald Smith, Jr., Rhonda Vincent, Wendlo, Brett Young, Raye Zaragoza, Boise State University Meistersingers, Ohio University Singers, and the Spelman College Glee Club.
LUKE FRAZIER Conductor
Luke Frazier is a conductor, music director and pianist who believes that the future of music depends on breaking down barriers between musicians and audiences. His philosophy is that the most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also creating diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music and gets people from all walks of life excited about orchestral performances. Luke believes that conductors are the bridge between the audience and the orchestra and what he programs and how it relates to the listeners, is the heartbeat of what keeps orchestral programming alive.
Luke started The American Pops Orchestra in 2015 to present a broad array of popular and classical music in innovative ways to bring new audiences into the orchestral world. Most recently, APO has been featured in more than sixteen national broadcasts on PBS with programs ranging in genre from classical to country, jazz to musical theatre. Perhaps most notably, WICKED IN CONCERT, not only excited television audiences by presenting this beloved musical on screen for the first time ever, but the show also garnered lots of online love and attention (including trending in the top ten on Twitter).
Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra in sharing orchestral music with an audience of over sixty million viewers across the country, completely free of charge. In addition, APO is thrilled to announce a 5 week 2023 residency at 54 Below, Broadway’s premier supper club in New York City.
Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. Each year, Luke spends at least three weeks touring live shows to underserved elementary schools for free, and through virtual tour streaming, has reached students in all 50 states. Additionally, Luke is excited to launch a partnership with Children’s National Hospital that will bring free live children’s programming to the young patients under their care, as well as virtually to patients in the Children’s Hospital network across the country. Luke is also passionate about finding outstanding college vocalists through APO’s NextGen Vocal Competition, where winners earn cash prizes and career-boosting performance experiences.
In addition to his work with APO and PBS, Luke is the Artistic Director of Nouveau Productions and Principal Pops Conductor for The National PhilharmonicHe appears regularly in venues from Lincoln Center to The Smithsonian, The Los Angeles Music Center to The Kravis Center and many more. Luke regularly works with orchestras across the country, conducting an array of classical and popular repertoire.
Luke is fortunate to call many of the world’s most incredible artists both friends and collaborators. Renée Fleming, Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Sandi Patty, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Barton, Paulo Szot, Vanessa Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Rita Moreno, Peter Frampton, Ricardo Morales and so many more have joined Luke on stage and screen for original programs of all varieties.
Passionately committed to the next generation of musicians, Luke spends a significant amount time and resources with all levels of aspiring musicians. Each year APO hosts a free national collegiate vocal competition, hosts instrumental and vocal masterclasses for collegiate musicians, creates original children’s programming of the highest caliber and spends two weeks visiting schools free of charge in some of the poorest regions of our country. Luke believes in the power of music to open new doors for children, in fact it was an elementary school gymnasium performance that inspired his own career.
Interested in learning more about Luke or The American Pops Orchestra? Check out the links below to follow on social media and stay up to date!
- GALLERY
- PROJECTS
Luke is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Nouveau Productions. Nouveau is a full-service production and events company, specializing in the producing of live events, domestic and international conferences, procurement of entertainment, artistic direction and event management services for some of the most significant institutions and individuals around the world.
Luke is the Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra (APO). APO strives to build community through the preservation, promotion and reimagination of American popular music. Through live and virtual performances, educational initiatives and collaborations APO makes the highest quality art accessible to the broadest audiences.
- UPCOMING
