Leonidas Kavakos is an acclaimed Greek violinist and conductor, renowned for his virtuosity, the profound sensitivity of his interpretations, and the purity of his sound. Born on October 30, 1967, in Athens, Kavakos hails from a musical family and was introduced to the violin at a young age by his father. He studied at the Hellenic Conservatory and later attended the Paris Conservatoire, where his talent began to emerge on the international stage.

Kavakos's career trajectory took a leap forward after winning the Sibelius Competition in 1985 and the Paganini Competition in 1988, setting the stage for him to become one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. His repertoire spans from classical to contemporary works, and he is equally at home as a soloist with major orchestras, a chamber musician, and as a recitalist. Kavakos has collaborated with esteemed conductors and leading orchestras worldwide, establishing himself as a musician with an exceptional ability to communicate a composer's intent.

His discography reflects a commitment to both core repertoire and new music, with his recent releases including Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 "Pastorale" arranged for trio, which showcases his affinity for Ludwig van Beethoven’s oeuvre. His recording of Bach's "Sei Solo" highlights his profound understanding of Johann Sebastian Bach's solo violin works. Kavakos is also a dedicated chamber musician, with releases like "Trifonov Plays Chamber Music" signifying his collaborative spirit and versatility. His passionate live performances, such as the Tchaikovsky’s "Souvenir de Florence" from the Verbier Festival, capture the electric atmosphere that Kavakos creates in concert. Throughout his illustrious career, Leonidas Kavakos has earned numerous accolades, including the Gramophone Artist of the Year award in 2014, and continues to enchant audiences with his soulful performances and technical prowess.

Genres

Violin

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Latest Release

Bach: Violin Concertos

Johann Sebastian Bach•

Leonidas Kavakos•

The Apollon Ensemble

Album - 13 Tracks - Released March 29, 2024