Jonathan Levin, Piano

Biography

Hailed as “a pianist with a brain…a strategist who has the ‘distant grasp’” (Alan Walker), Jonathan Levinis quickly establishing a reputation as an enthusiastic and compelling advocate for classical music, creating integrated programs that garner closer connections with audiences through illuminating discussion and example.

Born in North Carolina, Mr. Levin made his debut with the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra when he was fifteen.  Since then, he has become a sought-after recitalist and soloist, performing throughout the country in concert halls, museums, universities, schools, libraries and private salons.  His playing was recently featured on the television show, NC Weekend broadcast on PBS throughout the state. 

Recent engagements have included performances at Carnegie Hall, The DiMenna Center for Classical Music, Steinway Hall, New York Society for Ethical Culture, Brooklyn Public Library, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland and the Kosciusko Foundation in Manhattan.  Mr. Levin has played solo recitals and taught masterclasses all across the country, and also in Ontario, Canada.  He has performed with the Durham Symphony, the North Carolina Symphony and as a returning guest artist with the Raleigh Symphony as well as appearances at the NC Governor’s Mansion and the NC Museum of Art.  

In addition, he has been a laureate of many competitions and prizes including the National Stillman-Kelley Award, 2nd Prize at the 2012 Los Angeles International Liszt Competition and recipient of the Alan Walker Award from the American Liszt Society. Most recently he was awarded 2nd Prize at the George Gershwin Brooklyn International Music Competition as well as a special prize for Best Performance of American Music.

Mr. Levin is Artistic Director and Founder of Clayton Piano Festival in Clayton, NC which seeks to create accessible, educational, world-class concerts and music presentations that uniquely enrich the cultural life of the area.  For the past five years, he has been Musical Director of Natchez Festival of Music's Educational Outreach Program and is also on the faculty of Remarkable Theater Brigade's Summer Young Artists Program for vocalists.  A sought after collaborative pianist, he has appeared on the Vox Novus/RTB Composers Voice Concert Series. 

As a lecturer/performer, Mr. Levin’s presentations and remarks on music have been described as “cogent and insightful” (Classical Voice of North Carolina).   His recent presentations have included programs devoted to single composers, including Liszt, Chopin, and Schumann and have illustrated the defining features of the composers, their influences, and personalities.