Now when anyone comes for dinner, I only cook vegetarian meals, he says. As founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra (APO), Frazier has set the bar high for popular orchestral programming. Through live and virtual performances, educational initiatives and collaborations APO makes the highest quality art accessible to the broadest audiences. They include Mario Cantone (Sex and the City); Tony Award-winner, Gavin Creel; Ariana DeBose (the new West Side Story); Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, Cynthia Erivo; Stephanie Hsu (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel); EGOT winner Rita Moreno; Grammy Award winning country artist, Jennifer Nettles; Alex Newell (Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist); Isaac Powell (from the upcoming film Dear Evan Hansen); Amber Riley (Glee); Gabrielle Ruiz (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend); and Tony Award-winner, Ali Stroker (The Glee Project). I want to say this will mean something, theres something for you in this. Its been in my ear from a very young age. In . Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. How Dudamel Fellow Chlo van Soeterstde Is Modernizing an Old Institution by Building Metaphorical Bridges. Washingtonian Magazine named him one of their "Top 40 Under 40," and most recently named 5 of Washington, DC's "Men on the Move" by Modern Luxury. FRAZIER: Thats who I am. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In addition to these special programs, Luke also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, speaker and panelist for educational organizations across the country.In addition to Lukes work with APO and PBS, he maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. I would love to sit in on rehearsals with Kay Starr, a performer Im sure most people have never heard of, and watch her shape the music. Last Update. Frazier doesnt spend all his time conducting The American Pops. So I think for all of these other genres for jazz, for classical, for musical theater, for all of these things, you have to basically look at what is working, what is successful, and then you have to program in such a way that youre looking at the things that are impeding people from enjoying what youre doing without watering down the product. Luke, a classically trained pianist and conductor, spends every day focusing not only on musical excellence but also about using music as a tool . I remember it clear as day. And we have a great time. I remember the instruments, I remember the types of things they did. So I commissioned another work this year based onAround the World in 80 Days. I dont have a single complaint about Arena. At eight, I finally said yes, and Ive been playing ever since. Call the SAGE Hotline: 877-360-LGBT(5428). This list includes such luminaries as Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Patti LaBelle, Joshua Bell, Jessie Mueller, Rene Fleming, Darren Criss, Vanessa Williams, Liz Callaway, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Betty Who, Laura Osnes, Wynton Marsalis, Eric Owens, Marilyn Maye, Liza Minnelli, Rita Moreno, Lindsay Mendez, Michael Feinstein, Kathy Najimy, Paige Davis, Arturo Sandoval, and Norm Lewis, among many others. It was not pleasant. He also led two holiday programs this December, The Family Holiday Letter a hilarious ensemble piece and his popular Christmas in Black and White, a family friendly program set to classic black and white films. In Lukes shows, its not uncommon to hear pop singers, classical musicians, and television stars all in the same program. Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. The Hub is also made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Follow @lostHwys on Twitter and @billiscap on Instagram. Ill say, What do you think is a fair ticket price for an orchestra concert? In that capacity she edited several house newsletters. Mine didnt. For that matter, do they even know Carole King? I like to think that I specialize in American popular song. Im a huge fan of shorter concerts. More than that, however, is that a year off means Frazier is out of sight, out of mind . We had no idea. They just didnt know what to expect. He has earned his stripes conducting across the country and abroad. And you couldnt really be open about being gay. Luke is the Founder and Music Director of The American Pops Orchestra (APO). FRAZIER: Exactly. Contact. You just need the right people to help you along the way.. Ive felt it myself many times. Mountain State Maple Days to celebrate sweet season, Marshall Artists Series features Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on Thursday, Wynonna Judd: Final Tour 'has been a blessing and a burden', Flo Rida, Better Than Ezra, Jo Dee Messina among featured acts for 2023 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, "Doing the coal miners wrong": 'Deliberate intent' recovery cap bill incenses advocates, On the Town: West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presented 'Soulful', Meghan Moses: WV shouldn't tinker with vaccination laws (Opinion), Appalachian Road Show, Lonesome River Band top 2023 Fly In Fest lineup, Frank Giardina: WVIAC Tournament memories, WV Culinary Team: Chestnuts (not) roasting over an open fire. Low 34F. President Joe Tackett [said], Luke Frazier brings a fun, new perspective to our holiday show. Frazier started The American Pops Orchestra in 2015 to present popular and classical music in innovative ways. I had a lot of fun, [but] what I really wanted was the freedom and flexibility to just do whatever I want. Evening headlines from the Charleston Gazette-Mail, The latest in travel and recreation around West Virginia, The daily opinion newsletter from the Charleston Gazette-Mail. And in the classical music world, theres a tradition of being traditional. Adam talks with conductor Luke Frazier of The American Pops Orchestra about his award from Modern Luxury magazine. My guest today on the Classical Post podcast is the conductor Luke Frazier. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Center for the Arts box office, Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Youre not going to hear this, youre not going to see this visual. And thats the thing, is that there are so many people that would argue against this idea. LUKE FRAZIER:Last year, we experimented and developed a kids show. That can go all the way back to the 18th century and all the way down to now. Again, where do you go to see an orchestra and you get that experience? Movin On Broadway is a revelation in re-imagining classic music.I think the biggest thing Id love to chat with/observe from Mozart is that his music (and many other composers of the time) was meant to be fun and light. Conductors are a bridge between audiences and orchestras and the responsibility that comes with that is something Luke takes to heart every day. And its been jarring because you think, Well Im out of that. McCarthy): Heart and Soul Variations Mahler: Bach Suite Saint-Sans: My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice Deepa Johnny, mezzo-soprano Gershwin: I Got Rhythm Variations Daniela Liebman, piano Glazunov: Chopiniana Ravel: Pavane pour une infante dfunte Aufderheide (arr. MW:You mention encouragement of your musical talent. He is an avid proponent of the preservation and celebration of the American Songbook, as evidenced by his orchestral programming, his iTunes playlist, and his yearly tours to underserved schools in Appalachia. $ 0.00 - $ 35.00. Clear. How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? But in high school I had some friends who were ostracized for being gay. I just didnt. Because its a smaller ensemble typically, we all have to get along and it has to be people who enjoy playing with those other people. Designed to celebrate Black joy, the stars and creative team behind PBS' "Black Broadway: A Proud History, A Limitless Future" discuss share their thoughts on what the future of diversity and . Choose wisely! Luke is excited to serve as the inaugural Principal Pops Conductor for The National Philharmonic. I love getting back and I love doing things in West Virginia.. I didnt say anything at the time, but I did proceed to go to the person in charge and say that this person will never play for me again. I love children and I spoil children ridiculously. I get asked to guest conduct things, but even then Im picky. The audiences were growing and growing and growing. Why cant we take the financial burden of making it a priority to place people so theyre getting just as good an experience? The program includes works by Stephen Foster, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, as well as popular Civil War era folksongs like Danny Boy and Annie Laurie and Shenandoah performed by the FSO and more than 100 singers from around the DC Metropolitan area including members of the National Broadway Chorus, the Reston Chorale, the Loudoun Chorale, the Vienna Choral Society, the World Bank Chorus, and the Arlington Childrens Chorus. Its also an important part of the entertaining he enjoys doing at home. Create a password that only you will remember. Want to post on Patch? I love West Virginia, he said. Luke Frazier believes the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra sharing orchestral music with audiences across the country, completely free of charge.Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. Im always looking for fun places to film and Im open to ideas.. I love that. Were really careful about that. Seat Type. Something went wrong while submitting the form, Copyright 2022 : The American Pops Orchestra. Ive worked in so many different denominations, plus Catholic, and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of what a church can be. Every day I try to spend time with the piano, not only to keep my fingers honest, but it also gives me a chance to keep exploring more and more types of music.How are Pops audiences different than those for symphonic orchestras?I dont believe there should be any difference between a pops audience and a symphonic audience. MW:Any hint of disinterest or disconnect only diminishes the live experience for an audience. 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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. We won't share it with anyone else. And each year it gets more and more and more. in Theater. 11/27/2022 9:50 PM. If were not banging down the door, beating the bushes, to break down walls and bring people together around this beautiful thing, then were not doing our job. These days, most of my concerts are in D.C., New York and West Palm Beach.. I was guest conducting at an event at the Kennedy Center, where I was asked to come in and do a last-minute thing. Created to coincide with the sesquicentennial anniversary of General Robert E. Lees surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865, A Civil War Portrait guides the audience through the major campaigns of the Civil War through music, narration, and carefully-curated photographs and features music of the era.