Florian Leonhard MBE

Florian Leonhard MBE HonRCM has forged a distinguished career in violin making, restoration, and expertise. Following Mittenwald Violin Making School, Leonhard honed his skills at W.E. Hill & 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.

Florian is recognised as a foremost expert in the appraisal and study of Italian stringed instrument masterpieces. His consultancy services are sought by auction houses, leading orchestras, music institutions, and renowned soloists such as Leonidas Kavakos, Anne Sophie Mutter, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Julian Lloyd-Webber, and many more.

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. He has also authored significant scholarly works on Italian instrument-making, including “The Makers of Central Italy”, “The Makers of Tuscany”, and his highly anticipated upcoming publication surrounding the instruments of Guarneri del Gesù, and the Bisiach family.

Alexandra Knight has worked with Florian Leonhard over many years, devising and producing a variety of special projects and events.