Levon Chilingirian

Devoted to the development of outstanding chamber groups, orchestral musicians, soloists and teachers over many years, he is a Chamber Musician in Residence at the Academy. Former students now occupy important positions throughout the world as chamber musicians, soloists, orchestral players, teachers and Festival organisers.

Levon’s own artistic influences come from his uncle, Manoug Parikian, members of the Amadeus Quartet and Hans Keller. His long-standing partnership with the late Clifford Benson was launched by winning the first prizes in both the 1969 BBC Beethoven Competition and the 1971 Munich Duo International Competition.

In 1971, along with Philip De Groote, Mark Butler and Simon Rowland-Jones, Levon founded the Chilingirian Quartet. After winning a place with Young Concert Artists in New York, the Quartet went on to become one of the most active and celebrated ensembles on the international scene. With tours to over fifty countries on six continents, its highly regarded and wide-ranging repertoire spans classical to contemporary works, premiering a number of pieces of contemporary composers. The Quartet’s discography of over fifty recordings includes quartets and quintets by Mozart, Bartok, Dvorak, Haydn, Schubert, Debussy, Ravel and Beethoven. Levon also performs as a soloist and chamber musician with other outstanding artists and conductors.

Levon’s numerous DVD masterclasses have created an international profile for his style and integrity as a teacher. He has given masterclasses and coaching at festivals and schools including the Sibelius Academy, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, the Lake District Summer School, West Dean College summer course, and El Sistema in Venezuela. He was the artistic director and first violin of the Camerata Nordica in Sweden and served as artistic director of the Mendelssohn on Mull Festival and of the Pharos Festival in Cyprus.

Levon is privileged to play on a fine violin by Francesco Rugeri, made in 1679. He was awarded the OBE and the Cobbett Award for his services to music and works tirelessly to help and promote the younger generations of musicians by serving on juries of numerous competitions and awards.