Lukas Foss

Composer, conductor, and educator Lukas Foss was an eclectic figure who contributed profoundly to the appreciation of 20th century concert music. His compositions reflected many of the current styles of his time, and he constantly explored new possibilities. Foss held high-profile conducting positions in the U.S. and elsewhere, introducing audiences to a variety of contemporary styles. He was extremely influential as an educator, and his music continued to attract new audiences in the 21st century. Foss struggled with Parkinson's disease in later years but remained active. He died in New York on February 1, 2009. A collection of his works conducted by JoAnn Falletta, for whom he served as a mentor, was issued by the Buffalo Philharmonic in 2024.