By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Former Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor Lukas Foss died Sunday at the age of 86. He served as the BPO's fourth conductor from 1963 to 1970.
Foss is being remembered as an innovator who brought the avant-garde to Kleinhans Music Hall. During his time in Buffalo, Foss was the founder of the Center for the Performing and Creative Arts at the University at Buffalo.
After leaving here, Foss conducted the Brooklyn Philharmonic for 20 years. He died at his home in Manhattan.
His death comes as several local classical musicians are planning "A Tribute to Lukas Foss" this Sunday at 2pm the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The planned birthday celebration will now serve as a memorial.