Lukas Foss

Lukas Foss

American musician, talented composer and conductor, outstanding pianist.
Country: USA

Biography of Lukas Foss

Lukas Foss, born Lukas Fuchs, was an American musician, talented composer, conductor, and exceptional pianist. He was the recipient of numerous honorary titles, including a professorship. Foss was born in Berlin, Germany in 1922 and displayed obvious musical talent from an early age. He studied under experienced mentors and in 1933, his family moved to Paris due to the spread of Nazism in Germany. In Paris, Foss studied piano with Lazar Levy and further developed his musical disciplines under other renowned teachers.

Lukas Foss

In 1937, Foss relocated to the United States where he not only began a new life but also changed his surname to "Foss." He became a naturalized citizen in 1942. Foss later attended the Curtis Institute of Music, focusing on piano performance and conducting. From 1939 to 1943, Foss honed his skills at the Berkshire Music Center (now known as Tanglewood Music Center) and simultaneously attended Yale University from 1939 to 1940.

Foss quickly achieved success and in 1953, he began teaching music at the University of California. Around the same time, he founded the Improvisation Chamber Ensemble. In 1963, Foss worked at the University at Buffalo and established the Center for Creative and Performing Arts. From 1963 to 1970, he served as the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and students.

From 1981 to 1986, Foss was the conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Starting in 1991, he became a professor at Boston University, teaching music, theory, and composition. Among his students were notable individuals such as Claire Polin and Rocco di Pietro. Foss was also a member of the "Boston School," alongside Arthur Berger, Irving Fine, Alexei Haieff, Harold Shapero, and Claudio Spies.

Lukas Foss passed away on February 1, 2009, at the age of 86, in his own home in Manhattan.

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