Leslie Townsend
Violin

 Leslie Townsend earned his B. Mus. Hons from Trinity Laban in the UK, his M. Mus from the Vienna Privat Universität, and a Violin Certificate from St. Petersburg, Russia. Originally from London, UK, Leslie is classically trained in violin and piano. His performing career has taken him on tour in Africa, Europe, Canada and Asia. Leslie began his training when he was 8, at 14 played as soloist in Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’ and was described by Yehudi Menuhin as “a player of passion and interest”. He studied in Russia, following in the footsteps of his great grandmother, a pianist. Returning to England, his string quartet won prizes at Trinity Laban and other national competitions. He then toured France and Switzerland. In Vienna he acquired the precision and grace of the Viennese style, then launched his professional performance career. Highlights include performing Music Theatre tours in Holland and Belgium, and working for the BBC. In Canada he is much in demand as an orchestral violinist performing with orchestras and ensembles across Ontario and Quebec. A gifted educator, Leslie maintains a full teaching studio.