Local Players and NY Pilley

Two local musicians with deep roots in the UU church will accompany New York pianist Pilley Bianchi when she performs at UUCS on July 18.

Ted Lucktenberg grew up in a musical family. Both his parents, Dr. George Lucktenberg and the late Dr. “Jerrie” Lucktenberg, made music their profession, both teaching at Converse College for many years. Ted, a cellist, often performed with his parents; they were known as the Lucktenberg trio and enriched Sunday services with their talent in the 1970s. His grandmother, Sara Cadek, who joined in 1960, helped establish the Unison newsletter. Jerrie, who died last year, taught violin at Converse College and the Governor’s School for the Arts. George Lucktenberg, distinguished forte pianist, at age 80 is still performing and also teaches at a Georgia university.

In April, Ted and his father joined Ted’s daughter, Hope, in a performance at the Governor’s School, where Hope, now graduated, was a senior violin student. UUCS Music Director Keith Plumley attended that performance. It was beautiful, Keith said.

Ted, an engineer with Lockheed Martin, and his wife, Karen, established the Lucktenberg Family Music Fund to benefit the music department at the Governor’s School in memory of his mother. He is shown here with his wife and their children, Hope and Stuart.

Stay tuned to read about the other local musician, Bonnie-Lee Mizzell, who will also accompany this performance, which will feature two pianos, one played by Pilley and the other by her husband, Jay. Case Brothers of Spartanburg is providing a Steinway & Sons grand for the event.