This preview has been provided by the Clayton Piano Festival.
Jonathan Levin, Artistic Director of the Clayton Piano Festival, will himself kick off the Festival’s series of evening recitals at The Clayton Center Performing Arts Auditorium on Friday, February 8th at 7:30PM with a program entitled, “American Frontiers.” An ambitious program of nineteenth and twentieth century American music, it features works by Griffes, MacDowell, Gershwin, Cowell, Copland, Walker, and Bolcom.
Levin, a Clayton, NC, native, founded Clayton Piano Festival in 2012. It will open its second season Feb. 7 with a series of recitals, lectures and master classes designed to bring great music to people of all ages.
“I felt an obligation as a classical musician not only to create opportunities for myself but to present what we do in a unique and appealing way to diverse audiences,” said Levin, who was a top prize winner at the recent Los Angeles International Liszt Competition.
The events will take place at the Clayton Center Performing Arts Auditorium and the historic Wagner House in downtown Clayton, 15 minutes from the Triangle.
Levin said that the Festival programs are meant to be both informative and informal. “The idea is not just to put on great concerts but to engage the audience in a personal, relaxed and meaningful way,” he said.
Admission to most programs is $12 adults, $8 students and seniors, and children eight and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online through etix at http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=1959&cobrand=theclaytoncenter
For more information and detailed descriptions of programs and venues, call (919) 606-9703 or email: claytonpianofestival@gmail.com
About Jonathan Levin
Jonathan Levin has performed throughout the country in addition to popular venues in New York City such as Weill Hall and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. Most recently, he was awarded 2nd Prize at the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition, and was a recipient of the Alan Walker Award from the American Liszt Society. In addition to his serving as Artistic Director of the Clayton Piano Festival, he has been Musical Director of Natchez Festival of Music’s Educational Outreach Program for the past four years.