The Latest From Our Blog

Teachers Take Center Stage
posted by: Jessica Nalbone, Education Manager

Every August, teachers from across the state flock to Meymandi Concert Hall for the North Carolina Symphony’s Education Concert Workshop. They spend an entire day of their summer vacations learning ... More »

Classical Music, Alive and Well
posted by: Arthur Ryel-Lindsey, Communications Project Manager

Here’s a music activity you may not have heard of. The world championships of Drum Corps International kicked off with the quarterfinals last night in Indianapolis. Strictly DCI for those ... More »

Your Chance for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the North Carolina Symphony!
posted by: Amy Russell, Director of Artistic Programs and Partnerships

It’s 7:55 pm and you are settled into your seat in the balcony at the concert hall. The lights are about to dim and then you will be transported into ... More »

Music of the Moment: July 27, 2010
posted by: Amy Russell, Director of Artistic Programs and Partnerships

We presented our final concert of the Summerfest series on July 17th and now is the time to plan for the coming season, as we await the return of our ... More »

Meet the Musicians

The North Carolina Symphony is not just music; it's people. From composers to musicians, from conductors to staff, the Symphony is made up of a talented group of dedicated individuals who take immense pleasure and pride in bringing you the finest programs of show-stopping music season after season.

Grant Llewellyn

Music Director

William Henry Curry

Resident Conductor

Sarah Hicks

Associate Conductor

Full Musician Listing

Jess Isaiah Levin | Violin 1
The J. Felix Arnold Chair

From an early age, Jess Isaiah Levin evinced signs of a future career in…science. He began serious study of physics while in elementary school, and went on to major in that subject at the Bronx High School of Science. However, as the son of one of New York’s premier violinists, it was not surprising that the music bug would bite him eventually. Jess began studying violin while in junior high school, and studied composition with Juilliard resident composer Hall Overton beginning at the age of 14. During his teen years, the photography bug also took up permanent residence and Jess has pursued at least two creative areas ever since (you can visit his explorations of visual arts at www.ClassicalPhotography.com).

An undergraduate degree in violin performance (with unofficial minor in composition) and a graduate school major in composition (with unofficial minor in violin) helped prepare Jess for his place in the first violin section of the North Carolina Symphony, beginning in 1974. Highlights of his career with the North Carolina Symphony have included four performances of his own violin concerto (premiered in 1976), performances of Mozart’s Concerto No. 5, and the orchestra’s performances of two of his compositions – TAKI 183 for string orchestra, and Tessellation for full orchestra. His chamber works have been performed in Raleigh, Albuquerque, and several Wisconsin venues.

A continued fascination with physics and the other sciences has provided one area among the many that occupy Jess’s voracious appetite for reading. With music, visual arts, science and other interests shared with his wife, Pam Halverson – not to mention the exercise discipline provided by their beloved dog “Photon” - life is never boring and Jess looks forward to many more years of association with the artistic growth of the North Carolina Symphony.

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JUNE

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