Hometown:
Mooresville, North Carolina
Education:
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
Lucas began playing the double bass in his eighth-grade orchestra class and quickly fell in love with the instrument. After a few years of extracurricular activities and playing at school, he spent his last two years of high school at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he studied with Paul Sharpe. Currently, Lucas attends the Juilliard School in New York City and studies under Timothy Cobb.
What inspired you to become a musician?
It started when I got my first instrument, an electric guitar, at eight years old. The feeling I got from playing it was unlike anything I had experienced before.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
I really love Mahler, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky. For Mahler, his music is all-encompassing and on a grand scale. For Wagner, the spectacle of his huge operas, along with his thematic transformations are terrific. Tchaikovsky composed melodies that are really memorable and touching.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
Although classical music is my passion, I also have an appreciation and interest in heavy metal music.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy playing video games and board games with my friends!
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose the NRO primarily because of the specific repertoire being played and how much of it there is. The NRO plays more repertoire than any other festival orchestra, so developing the ability to prepare difficult pieces in short time frames will be a skill I use for the rest of my career. I also like that there is just one orchestra, so across the eight weeks of the festival, I am sure to make long-lasting bonds with the people I perform with. I am also a returning musician and had a fantastic experience last summer, so I wanted to come back for another year.