The decision to begin the next phase of his life occurred more than two years ago, with Luxner describing an orchestra as a "living organism" that needs to change with the times, whether through a fresh vision or new ideas to match the current day.
Along with interacting with the community through events such as the Labor Day Pops Concert, Luxner's work with students to integrate them into a professional orchestra setting has been a benefit for both the university and the Decatur, Ill., community.
When asked about the uniqueness of the music program at Millikin, Dr. Luxner said, "The 'hybrid' nature of the orchestra, by which the MDSO is both a professional and curricular ensemble, really is unique. I've given presentations on this structure, entitled 'The Best of Both Worlds,' at national meetings of the Conductors Guild, the College Orchestra Directors Association, and the National Association of Schools of Music. Everyone is amazed to hear how it works and how well it works."
A native of New York, Dr. Luxner graduated from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester where he earned a Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts and a Ph.D. during the 1970s. Before his appointment to Millikin University, Dr. Luxner was music director and conductor of the Owensboro (Kentucky) Symphony, associate conductor of the Savannah Symphony and assistant conductor of the Colorado Philharmonic.
"My greatest desire has always been to live a life in music with artistic integrity and professional autonomy, in an atmosphere of collegiality," Dr. Luxner said. "Millikin has been a perfect niche in all of these respects. I really lucked out."
Dr. Luxner added, "I'm pleased that I've been able to establish and maintain high standards, both in the orchestra and the classroom. In the orchestra, we've mastered some of the most challenging music in the repertoire and achieved an admirable level of stylistic flexibility. There have been very rewarding collaborations with the choral and opera departments, and terrific opportunities for faculty colleagues and advanced students to shine as soloists. But these are not 'accomplishments' of mine, they are opportunities that we've been able to realize because of the autonomy, integrity and collegiality that I enjoy in this position."
Click here to read more about Michael Luxner's tenure at Millikin in an article from the Herald & Review.