Announcing the Retirement of Concertmaster Daniel Mason: LexPhil Honors Mason’s 43-Year Tenure

Lexington, KY — It is with gratitude and respect that the Lexington Philharmonic announces the retirement of Daniel Mason from his role as Concertmaster, a position he has held for 43 years. Mason’s leadership, artistry, and dedication have helped define the Philharmonic’s sound and culture for more than four decades, guiding the orchestra with distinction on stage and in the community.

In addition to his tenure with LexPhil, Mason is Professor of Violin and Head of the String Department at the University of Kentucky, where he has taught for over 30 years. He founded the University of Kentucky String Project, which has provided training for new string teachers and affordable music education for hundreds of area children, earning national recognition and significant grant support.

Mason’s influence extends far beyond Kentucky. He has appeared as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across the United States and abroad, with performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, on live national broadcasts from Chicago’s WFMT, and on NPR’s Performance Today. He has given master classes and performances in countries around the world, including Korea, China, Brazil, Austria, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Turkey, Cambodia, and the Republic of Georgia.

An enthusiastic advocate for new music, Mason has premiered and recorded works by leading composers such as Joel Hoffman, John Cage, David Amram, William Bolcom, Bernard Rands, and Joseph Baber. He gave the world premiere of a solo violin work written for him by Austrian composer Alexander Blechinger, later released on CD in Vienna.

Mason’s students have gone on to hold positions in many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, and the Louisiana Philharmonic, as well as teaching positions at major universities. Generations of his students have performed with LexPhil, and many can still be seen on our stage today.

“As Concertmaster, Dan has been the heart of the orchestra for most of our history,” said Mélisse Brunet, Music Director. “His generosity as a musician and mentor has elevated everyone around him, and his influence will be felt long after his final performance with us.”

“The Lexington Philharmonic, and Lexington as a whole, has benefited immensely from Daniel Mason’s tenure,” said Brooke Raby, Executive Director. “His contributions to the arts, both here in our community and across the world, are extraordinary.”

The Lexington Philharmonic is deeply grateful for Mason’s extraordinary service and artistic vision. His legacy will remain an integral part of the Philharmonic’s history. In recognition of his service, Mason has been named Concertmaster Emeritus of the Lexington Philharmonic. His distinguished tenure will be honored from the stage at Opening Night on October 11, and he will appear as soloist with the orchestra in December for LexPhil’s Cathedral Christmas concerts.