Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents two-time Grammy winner Howard Levy in Classical Connections Nov 14

Disclaimer: We are promoting this event on behalf of a local chamber member. This event is not managed or sponsored by the Destin Chamber.


Sinfonia Gulf Coast welcomes two-time Grammy Award winner Howard Levy for an extraordinary evening of virtuosity, innovation and classical music with Classical Connections Featuring Howard Levy, Harmonica + Piano on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Destin High School.

A virtuoso pianist, pioneering diatonic harmonica player, composer and educator, Levy has spent his career redefining what audiences thought possible on the harmonica.

Internationally acclaimed for transforming the instrument into a true concert soloist, he moves effortlessly among classical, jazz, folk and world music.

For his return to Sinfonia, Levy will give the world premiere of his Eastern European Harmonica and Piano Concerto for Single Soloist, a vibrant four-movement work inspired by the musical traditions of Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Turkey and the Balkans.

The concerto showcases dazzling technique, colorful folk dance rhythms and improvisation — along with Levy’s remarkable ability to perform harmonica and piano simultaneously.
“Howard is a huge figure in the jazz world, and some people may not realize the breadth of his background,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “The first time I heard Howard playing harmonica, it blew my mind. I had never heard anything like it. The fact that he is an equally gifted pianist is beyond extraordinary!”

Levy, a former member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, also has a history with Sinfonia. Fuller says bringing him back reflects Sinfonia’s commitment to developing relationships with exceptional artists who connect with Northwest Florida audiences.

“This performance will be more intimate than his previous appearance here, and I guarantee that when people see him playing harmonica that close, they’re going to be blown away,” Fuller says.

The second half of the program turns to one of classical music’s most celebrated composers with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93. Compact, spirited and brimming with wit, energy and musical surprises, the symphony moves from playful humor and lyrical warmth to an exhilarating finale.

The seemingly unexpected pairing is quintessential Sinfonia.

“So, you have a world premiere on one side and Beethoven on the other,” Fuller says. “That’s a very Sinfonia program.”

Levy’s visit also extends beyond the concert stage. As part of Sinfonia’s commitment to music education and community engagement, he will work with local students during his visit to Northwest Florida.

Tickets are $35 per person, $15 for students and $20 for military. Tickets are available at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling (850) 460-8800.

Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.

CALENDAR LISTING
What: Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents Classical Connections Featuring Howard Levy, Harmonica + Piano
When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Where: Destin High School
Tickets: $35 per person; students $15; military $20
Information: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org | (850) 460-8800