About LUCO

The Lake Union Civic Orchestra (LUCO) is a largely volunteer-run, Seattle-based community orchestra distinguished by superb musicianship, low ticket prices, friendly atmosphere, central location of concerts, and exciting, innovative programming.

Local music critic Christopher DiLaurenti wrote, “LUCO’s concerts have a homey feel missing from most classical music gigs; before the show, people laugh and chat casually as if at home. Yet when the music begins, the audience’s attention becomes steadfast and quieter than most other orchestral performances I attend.” (The Stranger, January, 2008)

Mission

LUCO is dedicated to the exploration and performance of symphonic and chamber music with energy and passion and to sharing that experience with individuals and organizations throughout the community.

Programming and Repertoire

Each season, LUCO presents five full orchestral concerts. We focus on presenting both popular as well as newer or less well-known works, including works by living and/or local composers. LUCO has a generous complimentary ticket program to encourage those who have never seen a classical music concert, or those who cannot afford it, to attend.

Beginnings

LUCO began when founder and then doctoral candidate John Alderete gathered together a group of musically-inclined fellow scientists to play together for fun after work at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. There was no formal organization or director until Elaine “Scotty” Banks, a professional musician and a patient at the Hutch, joined the group. Scotty’s passion for music performance inspired the members to organize more formally and begin a season of regular public performances.

First called the “Lake Union Chamber Orchestra,” our group steadily improved over time and began attracting musicians from the Seattle community at large. By 1998, LUCO had matured into a full symphony orchestra. In that year, our members voted to change our name to the “Lake Union Civic Orchestra” and hire our first paid music director.

In 1999, Maestro Christophe Chagnard took up the baton as Music Director, bringing with him exceptionally high standards for musical growth that have challenged and inspired LUCO to become one of Seattle’s preeminent community orchestras. Today LUCO performs five concerts per year in Seattle, as well as a pay-what-you-will chamber music concert. LUCO serves the Seattle community by making orchestral music accessible to diverse audiences. We serve local and national professional musicians who wish to perform as soloists with a full symphony orchestra. We serve our members by providing proficient amateur musicians the opportunity to rehearse and produce high-quality performances in a friendly, collegial atmosphere.

The conclusion of the 2018-2019 marked Christophe Chagnard’s final season as music director after twenty years on the podium. The Board of Directors, with advice of the full membership, appointed Nikolas Caoile to the position of Music Director starting with the 2019-2020 season and bestowed the title of Director Emeritus to Christophe Chagnard in honor of his two decades of artistic leadership. Dr. Caoile guest conducted LUCO in April 2016 on an exciting program of music by Stravinsky, Ravel and Rachmaninov, and the Board of Directors felt confident he was the right person to lead the orchestra onwards. Dr. Caoile holds degrees in conducting and composition and completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan.

In June 2024, Daren Weissfisch was selected as the next music director of LUCO after a year-long search. Daren is a distinguished conductor, oboist, and educator based in Seattle. He currently serves as the Principal Conductor for the Tacoma Opera. Daren is also Conductor for the Seattle Opera Creation Lab and has worked with local orchestras including the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, Harmonia Orchestra, and the Issaquah Philharmonic Orchestra.

Music Director, Daren Weissfisch

Daren Weissfisch is a distinguished conductor, oboist, and educator based in Seattle, Washington. He currently serves as the Principal Conductor for the Tacoma Opera and Music Director of the Lake Union Civic Orchestra. He is also Conductor for the Seattle Opera Creation Lab and has worked with local orchestras including the Emerald Ballet Academy Orchestra, Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of Flight.

Daren has held notable positions such as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Sinaloa Esperanza Azteca Symphony Orchestra and Choir, which was an El Sistema based youth orchestra and choir in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. In his seven year tenure, he positively impacted over 300 young musicians through free music education and performance opportunities. Continuing his love for music education, Daren spent the 2023-2024 academic year as interim Band Teacher leading the middle and high school bands at the Lakeside School in Seattle.

Daren earned a second Master’s degree at the University of Washington in orchestral conducting—because one Master’s degree in oboe just wasn’t enough–and he continues to work towards completing his Doctoral degree.

Daren is also an accomplished oboist. He has performed with various ensembles in the United States and Mexico, including a significant tenure with the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra. He has been a soloist for works by Mozart, Strauss, and Bach, and subbed for several local orchestras in Seattle including the Federal Way Symphony, the North Corner Chamber Orchestra, and Harmonia Seattle among many others.

In addition to his professional achievements, Daren enjoys the Pacific Northwest’s outdoor activities. He is an avid scuba diver, snowboarder, and when his back is not hurting he enjoys playing basketball and ultimate frisbee. He also has a passion for animal rescue, having balanced his musical career with a dedication to helping dozens of animals find forever homes while living in Mexico.

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