Violinist Leonidas Kavakos Joins Hochschule für Musik Basel Faculty 

The Greek violinist and conductor will assume his role as professor of violin in 2025

The Basel Academy of Music FHNW has welcomed the internationally renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos to its Department of Classical Music as a new professor of violin as of the 2025 Fall semester. 

As an educator, Kavakos curates an annual violin and chamber music masterclass in Athens, which attracts many violinists and ensembles worldwide; he has been closely associated with the Basel Academy’s Institut Klassik for over 10 years, during which he has regularly given violin masterclasses.

Among the orchestras Kavakos has worked closely with include the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Dresden Staatskapelle, and more, including major U.S. orchestras.

His regular recital partners have included Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma, who have toured with him across the U.S., China, Europe, and released acclaimed trio albums with. Among his achievements include the Gramophone Magazine Artist of the Year, and three GRAMMY Award nominations. 

Kavakos performs on the 1734 “Willemotte” Stradivarius violin. 

“Leonidas Kavakos is recognised worldwide as one of the leading violinists and artistic personalities of his generation,” the Academy posted on Facebook. “His outstanding ability is characterised by his incomparable technique, his captivating artistry, his outstanding musicality and the integrity of his playing.”