Loucas Vasilarakos

Loucas (Luke) Vasilarakos is an active freelance clarinetist and educator based in Kansas City,

Missouri. He holds the position of Adjunct Instructor of Clarinet at Washburn University, in

addition to several teaching posts at area schools and organizations. As a performer, Luke is the

second clarinet with the Topeka Symphony Orchestra; he appears as a substitute musician with

the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra, St. Joseph Symphony Orchestra, International Center for

Music Orchestra at Park University, and the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Previously, he spent

the 2025-2026 season as interim second clarinet with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Luke

also holds performance and administrative positions with the Kansas City Sinfonietta, a local

chamber orchestra of which he was a founding member.

As an advocate of chamber music and new commissions, Luke has collaborated with composers

to interpret and expand the repertoire for clarinet. In 2024, he was the dedicatee of new works

arranged for clarinet by decorated composer Chen Yi. Currently, Luke is working on a series of

new commissions and recordings for clarinet/bass clarinet and bassoon, featuring composers

such as Marie Douglas and Kyle Hovatter, among others. Luke has performed at several

conferences, such as the International Clarinet Association and the SHE: Festival of Women in

Music.

During the summer months, Luke keeps an active performance schedule. He has performed

internationally with the Talis Festival (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the ÓperaMaya

Music Festival (Cancun, Mexico), as well as domestically with regional orchestras, theaters, and

wind ensembles.

Luke earned his Artist’s Certificate and Master of Music degree in clarinet performance from

The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, where he studied with Dr. Jane Carl. He

holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Ball State University under the tutelage of Dr. Elizabeth

Crawford.