Symphony of the Americas board president Carmen Castillo is thrilled to announce its new Artistic & Music Director, Luke Frazier, beginning permanently in the 2025-2026 Season. A leading conductor in America, Luke brings a wealth of experience, artistic brilliance, and a dynamic vision for an American symphony.
Luke was appointed Principal Pops Conductor in the 2024- 2025 season by outgoing Music Director, Pablo Mielgo, and has already captivated audiences and Symphony patrons alike. This transition will follow the course already set in motion by Mr. Mielgo over one year ago.
According to Ms. Castillo, “Luke Frazier’s leadership marks an incredible opportunity for Symphony of the Americas to elevate its profile and expand its impact. We are confident this next chapter will be one of growth, innovation, and continued excellence.” Symphony of the Americas’ board voted unanimously to appoint Luke Frazier as Music Director.
Luke has built an active career conducting both popular and classical music and has collaborated with many of the world’s leading artists, from Renée Fleming and Joshua Bell to Midori and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. He has conducted at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Arsht Center, LA Music Center, the Grammy Museum and beyond. He is founder and conductor of the American Pops Orchestra, that was named as one of only three orchestras in the United States as an official Arts Envoy of the US State Department. He has been featured as a conductor in more than 30 national PBS broadcasts. Concurrent with his passion for music is his love for building community through his music.
Frazier remarked, “I am honored to have been asked by Maestro Mielgo and the Symphony of the Americas Board of Directors to lead this orchestra into their next chapter. Building upon their artistic excellence and further embracing the local and national community are a large priority for me. I believe that orchestras are service organizations – not only serving their musicians and the music they interpret, but the community in which we serve. Every orchestra should have its own unique voice. I want to inspire and excite audiences with concerts that are not only of the highest artistic quality, but that are crafted and curated in such a way that fill audiences with a singularly lasting impression.”
Outgoing Music Director Pablo Mielgo stated, “I am so pleased to have seen audiences for Symphony of the Americas increase substantially over the last several years. I greatly acknowledge the artistic relationship and quality created with the musicians and recognize them as some of the finest with whom I have ever worked. One year ago, knowing that my time with Symphony of the Americas was about to finish to accomplish new challenges in my career, I saw the talent of Luke Frazier and his ability to connect with audiences and the musicians of Symphony of the Americas. Therefore, I have decided to give my full support to him to be the new leader of Symphony of the Americas.” Pablo Mielgo is stepping away from Symphony of the Americas as music director after five years. Symphony of the Americas has thrived under Pablo Mielgo’s artistic leadership, benefiting from his deep commitment to artistic excellence. His work has strengthened relationships with musicians, patrons, and donors, creating a solid foundation that will continue to guide The Symphony into an exciting future. Over these last several years, Symphony of the Americas has seen considerable growth in its audience size as well as number of performances. Mr. Mielgo also continues to lead his home orchestra in Spain and guest conduct globally.
According to Executive Director, Steven Haines: “Luke is a master of connecting audiences to the symphonic repertoire. We have an ability to showcase The Symphony as the greatest instrument ever created and fully expect new audiences to rediscover Symphony of the Americas.” Pablo Mieglo’s final official performances with Symphony of the Americas will be April 20 & 22, 2025. This program – Zarzuela – showcases one of Spain’s great musical artforms. Luke Frazier closes the current season of Symphony of the Americas with Broadway Showstoppers: The Leading Men, on May 11, 12, & 13. Information & Tickets for all performances are available at www.sota.org, or by calling the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at 954.462.0222. The complete 2025-2026 Season will be announced soon.
ABOUT LUKE FRAZIER:
Luke Frazier is a conductor, music director and pianist who believes that the future of music depends on breaking down barriers between musicians and audiences. His philosophy is that the most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also to create diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music. Luke believes that conductors are the bridge between the audience and the orchestra and what he programs and how it relates to the listeners, is the heartbeat of what keeps orchestral programming alive.
Luke began as Principal Pops Conductor with the Symphony of the Americas in the 2024-2025 season, and most recently, beginning in the 2025-2026 season, Frazier will take over as Artistic and Music Director.
In 2015, Frazier started the American Pops Orchestra (APO) 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. Artists like Renée Fleming, Patti LaBelle, Ariana DeBose, Joshua Bell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra, sharing orchestral music with an audience of over sixty million viewers across the country, completely free of charge.
