Connecticut's Orchestra Lumos Appoints New Principal Players

Violinist Deborah Buck is the orchestra's new Concertmaster, while Peter Weitzner was named Principal Double Bass

Based in Stanford, Connecticut, the Orchestra Lumos recently named two new principal players, who have already played in the ensemble for some time.

The orchestra's new concertmaster Deborah Buck was previously a member of the Lark Quartet for seventeen years. From 2008 to 2013, she was the Concertmaster of the Brooklyn Philharmonic. A committed pedagogue, she is presently an Assistant Professor of Violin and Head of Strings and Chamber Music at SUNY Purchase and is Co-Executive Director and curator of the Faculty Concert Series at the Kinhaven Music School in Vermont.

Bassist Peter Weitzner has made solo appearances with the Baltimore Symphony and also premiered Sheila Silver’s work Chant, for bass and piano. He is presently the curator and host of the BPL Chamber Players in residence at the Central Branch (Grand Army Plaza) of the Brooklyn Public Library. As a chamber musician, he has performed with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Orion, Enso, and Daedalus, among others.

Previously known as the Stamford Symphony, the ensemble recently rebranded as Orchestra Lumos to reflect their growing focus on education and outreach across Fairfield County.

Recently, the orchestra has been aiming to expand the range of venues that they play in to bring music to new audiences — and now they are just as likely to be found performing at the local library, school, museum, brewery, place of worship, or community venue as on the concert platform.

"I am happy to announce the appointments of our new concertmaster, Deborah Buck, and Principal Double Bass, Peter Weitzner," said Michael Stern, the orchestra's Music Director. "Both of these marvelous musicians, already long in our orchestral family, exemplify the tenets of Orchestra Lumos’ revitalized commitment to the community, in their versatility, leadership, and musical artistry, and I am thrilled to welcome them to as permanent orchestra members."

"I am incredibly thrilled and honored to become Concertmaster of Orchestra Lumos after several seasons in an acting position," said Deborah Buck. "I am grateful for the chance to officially join this impressive team led by Music Director, Michael Stern and CEO, Russell Jones. I look forward to each and every one of our future collaborations as we create wonderfully exciting and gratifying concerts, together."