LEVY, ROBERT (b. 1943)

Composer Robert Levy (born April 4, 1943) is a native New Yorker, originally from Freeport, New York. Levy's music degrees are from Ithaca College (1966), the University of North Texas (1968) and the University of Iowa (1968-1970). He was Director of Bands and trumpet professor at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin from 1979-2004. For the 2004-2005 school year, he was a visiting guest conductor for the University of Wisconsin-Madison wind ensemble and Artistic Director/Conductor for the schools Contemporary Chamber Ensemble.

 

His interest in composition evolved from his performance activity and close association with numerous composers as he premiered more than one hundred fifty works as conductor and trumpeter. His lifelong interest in new music led to his eventually turning toward composition. Several of his works have been premiered and performed by this country's leading brass virtuosi including trumpeter Chris Gekker, tubist Sam Pilafian, and bass trombonist David Taylor.

 

Recent works and commissions include "Reflections" (for clarinet and trumpet) premiered at both international conventions for the Trumpet Guild and Clarinet Society in summer 2010; "Tangents" (for trombone choir); "Hymn Song" (for orchestra); "And Stars Remain," "Kaleidoscope" and "Tapestry" ( for band) and several compositions for chamber music groups. His setting of "Abide With Me-Fantasia" was commissioned and premiered by the Fox Valley Lutheran High school band in 2003 and is published by Alliance Publications, Inc.

 

Other works received performances by saxophonist Donald Sinta, marimbist Gordon Stout, the Lawrence Cello Ensemble, cellist Matt Turner, and the Either Orchestra. Previously he received a "new work" award from the Wisconsin Arts Board and was named an Artist-in-residence by that same organization. He has also been an artist "fellow" in composition at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and a member of the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers.