Lux Orchestra Initiative

LUX Orchestra Initiative

LUX orchestra initiative is an explosion of light, sound, and music. Founded by conductor and composer Brent Chancellor, LUX, in collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up and South Orange Performing Arts Center, presents a new vision for symphonic music specifically aimed at inspiring young audiences.

The performance, developed in collaboration with the elementary music faculty, serves as an engaging introduction to the Orchestra for students embarking on their journey toward instrumental instruction and mastery. Through this interactive experience, students receive the opportunity to meet different instrument sections and gain insights into basic music concepts. They also learn about the orchestra’s significant role in various genres like Symphony, Ballet, Opera, and even movie scores.

The performance encourages student participation by allowing them to ask questions and join in a sing-a-long with an Opera soloist. LUX merges high-energy performance, dynamic lighting, and synchronized projections in a uniquely engaging way, bringing the orchestra to life. This innovative approach ensures that symphonic music becomes accessible and enjoyable for young audiences, sparking their interest and potentially nurturing future musicians and music enthusiasts.

The LUX Orchestra Initiative not only fosters a love for classical music but also promotes the importance of arts education. By partnering with educational institutions and community organizations, LUX aims to make these performances accessible to as many students as possible, regardless of their background or financial means. Through this initiative, LUX hopes to inspire a new generation of music lovers and create a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Brent Chancellor

Brent Chancellor serves as music director of the LUX Initiative and the New Jersey Vocal Arts Collaborative. Previous positions include music director of the Ridgewood Symphony and Rockland Symphony Orchestras, the Rutgers University Sinfonia, and Montclair State University Opera Orchestra. Additionally, Chancellor served as assistant conductor at Festival Napa Valley and the New Jersey Festival Orchestra, and cover conductor for the Buffalo Philharmonic, New Jersey Symphony, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. He has received fellowships from the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony Orchestra, International Vocal Arts Institute, and Blackburn Music Academy. In 2019, he was invited to lead guest performances for The Irish Tenors East Coast Holiday Tour and the New Jersey All-State Orchestra, and in 2021, became a finalist in the Lányi International Conducting Competition.

SOPAC’s Arts Education programs are generously sponsored by