Born in Kharkov (Ukraine), Leonid Kerbel lives in Brussels. At the age of 4, he began his violin studies under Prof.Kozlovicher at his native city followed by Prof. Yankilevich with whom he studied in Moscow. At the age of 11 he immigrated with his parents to Israel where he continued his studies with Prof. Yair Kless.

Leonid Kerbel is a laureate and a first prize-winner of the Rubin Academy (Tel Aviv) solo and chamber music competitions as well as the Clairmont competition, he performed with world-renowned artists such as Paul Badura-Skoda, Sidney Harth and Mark Lubotski. He teaches in Brussels. Since his arrival to Belgium in 1988 he devotes his time mainly for teaching, musical education, solo and chamber music performances. His style of teaching and the art of performing are influenced directly and indirectly by masters such as Joseph Gingold, Rosa Fain, Isaac Stern, William Pleeth, Janos Starker, Adolf Bush and Leonid Kogan.

Leonid Kerbel gave master classes on a regular basis in the “Sewannee Summer Music Festival” in the USA for 15 years. He takes part in festivals such as: Festival de minimes, Festival de l’été Mosan, Festival de Mozart and Festival van Vlaanderen. He performs regularly as soloist and concertmaster around Europe, Israel and the USA and has recorded for the Israeli Radio, BRTN, RTBF and USA National Radio.

First violin of the Gertler string quartet, Horta string quartet and the Contrast string quartet in the past, Leonid Kerbel is currently a member of the Trio Sonnetto. In 1999, he founded the “Musica Mundi International Chamber Music course and Festival” for young talented musicians.

Image courtesy of interviewee. October 30, 2018