Luke Frazier

Founder & Music Director

Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. 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. Conductors are a bridge between audiences and orchestras and the responsibility that comes with that is something Luke takes to heart every day. Luke started The American Pops Orchestra (APO) in 2015 to present a broad array of popular and classical music in innovative ways to bring new audiences into the orchestral world. APO has been featured in thirty 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 Renée Fleming, Patti LaBelle, Joshua Bell, Ariana DeBose, 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. Each year, Luke spends at least three weeks touring live shows with APO to underserved elementary schools for free, and through virtual tour streaming, APO has reached over 100k students across all 50 states. Additionally, Luke is proud of APO’s partnership with Children’s National Hospital which brings free children’s programming to the young patients under their care in the Children’s Hospital network across the country. Luke is also passionate about finding outstanding college musicians. He founded APO’s annual NextGen Vocal Competition, where winners earn cash prizes and career-boosting performance experiences.

He also founded the NATO Symphony Orchestra in honor of the 75th Anniversary of NATO, comprised of college musicians from all 32 NATO Countries who will perform together at the Library of Congress for dignitaries both domestic and international. In addition to his work with APO and PBS, he maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. Luke is the newly appointed pops conductor of The Symphony of the Americas, in addition to regularly guest conducting orchestras across the country in an array of classical and popular repertoire. Luke is conducting an expanded concert series at Lincoln Center this coming season and he is the Artistic Director of Nouveau Productions. He appears regularly in venues from Lincoln Center to The Smithsonian, The Los Angeles Music Center to The Kravis Center and many more. Luke is proud to represent the United States of America with APO, which was designated an official Arts Envoy for the United States Department of State.

Luke is fortunate to call many of the world’s most incredible artists both friends and collaborators. Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Leslie Jordan, Sandi Patty, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Barton, Paulo Szot, Vanessa Williams, Midori, Jacqueline Schwab, Arturo Sandoval, Rita Moreno and so many more have joined Luke on stage and on-screen for original programs of all varieties.