Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriel Levy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Gabriel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I am lucky that my parents never pushed me into classical music, as this has allowed me to freely build my relationship with it. I played piano growing up but was by no means exceptional. I wasn’t shown how wonderful the world of classical could be, and the little classical music I did know I thought was mostly boring. What I really wanted to do was play rock music. So I quit the piano in the 6th grade and taught myself the drums, guitar, and bass, and spent a few years playing in bands and recording covers. As I began high school I somehow found my way back to classical music, but this time completely on my own terms, and from a place of open exploration and amazement. As I got deeper and deeper into that world, my parents were nothing but supportive, and always trusted me to find what was interesting for my own journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a conductor by trade, as well as an opera coach, pianist, percussionist, and founding member of the NYC Orchestra Project, a non-profit student organization committed to bridging the gap between the student environment and professional orchestral work.
I aim to spread the wonder of classical music, and in my teaching strive to help others foster a more personal and meaningful relationship with this language of music.
With the NYCOP team I put together orchestral and opera performances throughout the year. One highlight was a sold-out performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in February of 2025. Our over 100-piece orchestra played this revolutionary work at Neidorff-Karpati Hall at Manhattan School of Music, to an audience of over 600 patrons.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met Daniel Jansen, the Executive Director of NYCOP, in September of 2023. He was looking to put together an orchestra concert to celebrate Gay composers and raise money for The Trevor Project (an organization dedicated to providing support for LGBTQ+ youth), and I was actually the second person he had asked to conduct it. Thankfully that first person said no, because this was the start of a partnership that has completely changed my life, and grown into the wonderful organization that NYCOP is today.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is always to help people find the wonder in music. It is so easy in an institutional setting like a conservatory to lose sight of that, when so much focus is on constantly improving. But for me, music is always spiritual, it is always wonderful, and I aim to bring that back into focus with those I work with and perform for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nycorchestraproject.com
- Instagram: @gabeslev
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LExnC0lpQew&t=4505s