Date of Birth: August 15, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: February 1, 2009
Biography
Lukas Foss was a renowned American composer, conductor, and pianist, known for his innovative contributions to contemporary classical music. Born in Berlin, Germany, Foss emigrated to the United States in 1937, where he pursued a distinguished career in music. His work spanned various styles and forms, from orchestral and chamber music to choral works and operas. Foss studied composition under Paul Hindemith at Yale University and conducting with Serge Koussevitzky at the Berkshire Music Center. He held several significant positions throughout his career, including Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Foss was also a faculty member at prestigious institutions such as the University of California, Los Angeles, and Boston University. His compositions were celebrated for their originality and often incorporated elements of improvisation and avant-garde techniques.
5 Interesting Facts about Lukas Foss
1. Lukas Foss was a child prodigy, starting to compose music at the age of seven.
2. He won the New York Music Critics’ Award in 1945 for his cantata “The Prairie.”
3. Foss was a founding member of the Improvisation Chamber Ensemble, which explored contemporary improvisational techniques.
4. He was a recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award.
5. Foss was known for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between roles as a composer, conductor, and pianist throughout his career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lukas Foss
1. “The trouble with young composers is that they are all in too much of a hurry. Hurry is the enemy of art.”
2. “Music is a dialogue between the composer and the performer, and the audience is the witness.”
3. “Innovation is the key to keeping music alive and relevant.”
4. “A composer must be able to see the world through the eyes of a child and the mind of an adult.”
5. “To create music is to speak a language that transcends words and touches the soul.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
$10 million
Children
Lukas Foss had two children, Christopher Foss, a cellist, and Eliza Foss, an actress.
Relevant Links
1. [Lukas Foss Biography – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lukas-Foss
2. [Lukas Foss – Discography – Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/787068-Lukas-Foss
3. [Lukas Foss – AllMusic Guide](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lukas-foss-mn0000838882
4. [Lukas Foss Papers – Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/2006567927/
5. [Lukas Foss – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0287674/
