Lukas Foss
- Category : Entertain-Music-Conductor
- Type : GP
- Profile : 3/5 - Martyr / Heretic
- Definition : Split - Small (31)
- Incarnation Cross : RAX Explanation 3
Biography
German-American wunderkind musician, a composer, conductor and pianist. After study in Paris, he entered the U.S. in 1937. He stands out as one of the most brilliant and respected personalities in American music.
Widely recognized for his experiments with improvisation and aleatoric (chance) music, Foss published his first compositions at 15 and in 1945, was the youngest composer to ever win a Guggenheim Fellowship. A professor of composition and orchestral director at UCLA, he founded a chamber ensemble in 1957. From 1963 to 1970 he was conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 1971, Foss was named music director and conductor of the Brooklyn Philharmonic and he was appointed music director and Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in 1981.
The essential feature in his music is the tension, so typical of the 20th century, between tradition and new modes of music expression. On the other hand, he recognizes traditionalism in his works. His ideas, and his compelling way of expressing them, have earned Lukas Foss continued respect as an educator as well. Holding eight honorary doctorates, he is in constant demand as a lecturer.
Foss lives in New York City with his wife Cornelia, a noted painter. They have a son and a daughter.