Levingston comes to UM

Bruce Levingston, one of the country’s leading figures in contemporary music, has been appointed special advisor on the arts to the chancellor of the University of Mississippi, effective July 1. Noted for his innovative and thoughtful programming, Levingston has performed and collaborated with many interesting artists. His repertoire spans from the Baroque works of Bach and Scarlatti to the Classical and Romantic masterpieces of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to the most avant-garde works of today.

As founding chair and artistic director of Premiere Commission Inc., a nonprofit foundation that has commissioned and premiered more than 40 new works, Levingston facilitates support of young artists and young composers. Many of the world’s most important composers have written works for him, and his Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center world premiere performances of their works have won notable critical acclaim.

Levingston has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician in many international music festivals and his recordings have received critical acclaim. Levingston’s CD “Heart Shadow” was named Album of the Week by New York City’s WQXR. In its review of Levingston’s recent album, “Nightbreak,” the American Record Guide called him “a pianist’s pianist” and praised his “stunning and illuminating performances.”