Bravos
“Helen is a world-class musician with brilliant technique, and great groove. She's a joy to work with, and I can't wait to play with her again!" —Rex Richardson, Renowned International Trumpeter
"It is always an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Helen. Besides being an incredible musician, she brings an equally extraordinary personality to the concert stage. We always look forward to performing our "Notes from the Balcony" program with Helen!" —Jeff Conner, Boston Brass
"Helen Lukan is a fabulous pianist and collaborator. I first had the opportunity to perform with Helen in 2003 playing the Hindemith Trumpet Sonata and was immediately blown away by her musicality and nuanced sense of chamber music partnership. With limited rehearsal, she was quick to find a way to be perfectly together with every little stylistic gesture and detail. I've since had the pleasure to work with Helen again, and was quickly reminded of her easy collaborative manner and strong musical presence—one of the finest collaborative pianists I've ever worked with. I look forward to another opportunity to perform with Helen very soon!"
—Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet, Cleveland Orchestra
"Helen, I must send you my sincere thanks for your part in our Good Friday service this evening! You play so beautifully! I so appreciated both numbers, but the Via Dolorosa was absolutely beautiful! . . . I have never before heard an instrumental version played on piano! It was beautiful and played with such passion. It added so much to my worship! . . . So, thank you again for sharing your talents and touching my very soul at the service tonight!" —Judy Fletcher
"Helen is a solid, professional-level pianist, exceptionally capable, and a pleasure to work with." —Dr. Stephen Jones, former Professor Emeritus, Western Michigan University, and Past President, International Trumpet Guild
"Collaborating with Helen has been delightfully easy, and extremely satisfying. She is a consummate technician, which frees her up to listen, empathize, and contribute fully to the creative process. Helen is a great reader, fast learner, and an excellent communicator. She understands all styles, but I have been particularly impressed by her ability to embody the import of contemporary music. Helen's talents do great service to bringing music's beauty to the world. " —David Lockington, Music Director Laureate, Grand Rapids Symphony
“Helen is not only a good pianist, but an enthusiastic colleague. Whenever I’ve worked with her, I’ve admired her attentiveness, tireless work ethic, and pure joy in making music. She’s a keeper.” —Dr. Raymond Harvey, Music Director, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Assoc. Professor, University of Houston, and Music Director of the Moores Opera Center
"Helen is a musician and educator of extraordinary capability . . . she is a first-rate pianist and coach accompanist. My students rave about her ability to read perfectly at sight any music put in front of her." —Dr. Karen Wicklund, former Assoc. Professor of Voice and Music Theater, Western Michigan University
"I have always found [Helen] skillful in technique and quick to adapt to any change or challenge." —Sher Farrell, Artistic Director, Farrell Ballet Theatre
"Helen is a seasoned and polished performer in any kind of music. She is extremely well known as a first-rate accompanist, both for solo performers and ensembles." —Dr. Robert Ricci, Retired Professor of Music, WMU
"Pianist Helen Lukan proved to be a superb accompanist throughout." —Kalamazoo Gazette
"[Helen Lukan] deserves a special award as an extra-musical citizen of Kalamazoo . . . Helen, you've really added to the fabric of our musical life here." —Announcer Cara Lieurance, WMUK, On-Air Interview, Nov. 7, 2012