Florian
Leonhard

Florian Leonhard MBE has forged a distinguished career in violin making, restoration, and expertise. Following his education at the Mittenwald Violin Making School, Leonhard honed his skills at W.E. Hill and Sons, where he ascended to the role of Head Restorer. His professional journey has since expanded to include the establishment of Florian Leonhard Fine Violins, with ateliers situated across Europe, America, and Asia.

Leonhard is recognised as a foremost expert in the appraisal and study of Italian stringed instrument masterpieces. His consultancy services are sought by leading orchestras, music institutions, and renowned soloists. Among the countless musicians he counts among his clients include violinists Leonidas Kavakos and Maxim Vengerov, and cellists Julian Lloyd-Webber and Sheku Kanneh-Mason.

With four decades of research underpinning his work, Leonhard's 'True Copy' instruments stand out for their remarkable acoustic fidelity and aesthetic resemblance to the original masterpieces. His contributions to the field extend to numerous scholarly articles and publications. He has authored significant works on Italian instrument-making, including "The Makers of Central Italy" and "The Makers of Tuscany", and has contributed to esteemed publications such as The Strad and Archi.

Leonhard's dedication to classical music and violin making is further evidenced by his active participation in the international music community. He frequently serves on jury panels for prestigious violin competitions, including Kloster Schöntal, Lipinski-Wieniawski, and Tonali, as well as in violin making competitions in Sofia, Pisogne, and Nemessányi. Through his expertise and passion, Florian Leonhard MBE has made a substantial impact on the field of violin making and restoration, earning respect and recognition from peers and professionals within the classical music and instrument crafting communities.