[1][2] Renowned for his interpretations of contemporary music and innovative programming, critics praise Levingston's performances for their nuanced expression, vibrant color, and profound emotional depth.
[10][11][12][13][14][15][16] His repertoire encompasses composers of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras, including Bach, Scarlatti, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Satie, Debussy, Ravel, Messiaen, Janacek, Webern, Glass, Kurtág and Ligeti.
[25][26][27] Levingston has also performed with violinist Colin Jacobsen at Carnegie Hall, Library of Congress, Lincoln Center, and with Brooklyn Rider at Poisson Rouge.
[28][20][19] Levingston has also collaborated with prominent figures from other artistic disciplines including Chuck Close, Herman Cornejo, Michael Cunningham, Jorma Elo, Alessandra Ferri, Ethan Hawke, Nick McDonnell, George Plimpton, and Kevin Young.
[39][40] In 2007, Levingston gave a live performance of Erik Satie’s score written for Rene Clair’s surreal film Entr’acte at the French Institute Alliançe Française in New York City.
In 2016, Levingston commissioned cinematographer Jarred Alterman to create a film set to Nolan Gasser’s score American Citizen inspired by the Marie Hull painting of the same name.
[19][20][25][45][46] In 2016, Levingston co-commissioned and premiered Repast, an oratorio with music by Nolan Gasser and a libretto by Kevin Young based on the life of the civil rights era figure Booker Wright at Carnegie Hall.
It is also a reminder of the powerful voice an artist may bring to his or her society, even in the most closed and difficult of times.”[50]In 2017, Levingston commissioned David T. Little to compose Accumulation of Purpose inspired by Freedom Riders in Mississippi.
[44][10][59] A longtime resident of New York City’s Chelsea Hotel, Levingston forged connections with many renowned artists there including Virgil Thomson, Arthur Miller, Arnold Weinstein, William Bolcom and Ethan Hawke.
He has brought many distinguished figures to his home state, such as William F. Buckley Jr., Ken Burns, Ron Chernow, George Plimpton, Katie Ford, David Rockefeller Jr. and Jane Smiley to share their life experiences and expertise.
[54] His contributions as the Chancellor’s Honors College Artist in Residence and holder of the Lester Glenn Fant Chair at the University of Mississippi and his involvement in local arts initiatives have earned him recognition and numerous other accolades.