Luke Witchger 

 

 

Instrument: Violin

 

Studies:

Vanderilt University, BM

Juilliard, MM

 

Biography:

 

Luke Witchger won the role of concertmaster for Orchestra Iowa in 2013, making him the youngest professional concertmaster among the nation’s major symphony orchestras. He regularly performed with the Orchestra Iowa Chamber Players and offered masterclasses through the Orchestra School. Prior to his appointment, Witchger thrilled Orchestra Iowa audiences with his riveting performance as guest concertmaster during the world premiere of GRAMMY®-winning composer, Michael Daugherty’s American Gothic. He is also featured on the recording, which was released in late 2013. Since his appointment, he has returned to the Juilliard School to continue his musical studies with Catherine Cho.

He maintains an active schedule, frequently substituting with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and has served as guest concertmaster of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, Witchger performed with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall for their Spring for Music concert. He attends numerous other music festivals, including Sarasota and Aspen, and has soloed with the Vanderbilt University Orchestra and the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. Noted for his sincere and impassioned presence on stage, Witchger’s playing has been praised as, “sing[ing] with an enthusiasm that nearly raises his body off his chair” (The Gazette).

Originally from in Omaha, Nebraska, Witchger began playing violin at the age of three. Before attending Juilliard, Witchger studied with Carolyn Huebl at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music and was concertmaster of the Vanderbilt Orchestra. He currently performs on an instrument generously loaned by the Virtu Foundation.