Valentin Kovalev with Yoni Levyatov

Saxophonist Valentin Kovalev delivers a genre-defying program that spans virtuosic showpieces and lyrical works, including a distinctive arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

Kovalev, who won the prestigious Naumburg Foundation 2022 Saxophone Competition, performs alongside pianist Yoni Levyatov in an evening that demonstrates the versatility and expressive range of contemporary saxophone repertoire. The Russian-born saxophonist made history as the first Russian musician to enter the Paris Conservatory as an undergraduate and to be admitted to the University of Michigan's graduate saxophone program. He has performed as a soloist with major orchestras including the New Russia Orchestra and Tchaikovsky Big Symphony Orchestra, and made his Carnegie Hall debut.

Levyatov, winner of the San Jose International Piano Competition and silver medalist at the Bösendorfer International Piano Competition, brings his own distinguished background to the collaboration. The Russian-born Israeli pianist made his Lincoln Center debut at Alice Tully Hall and has performed with orchestras including the Jerusalem Symphony and Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. As both performer and composer, he has written works for solo instruments, chamber ensembles and orchestras.

Valentin Kovalev with Yoni Levyatov takes place Saturday, January 10 at the Knight Center for Music Innovation at the University of Miami. The concert is presented by Friends of Chamber Music of Miami in collaboration with the University of Miami Frost School of Music and with support from the City of Coral Gables.