Biography
Leon graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 1986, and since then has pursued both his academic and performing interests.

Leon's solo work has included performances of Milhaud's Concerto No 1, Mozart 'Sinfonia Concertante' and Howells 'Elegy' for viola, string quartet and string orchestra. Leon was a member of the Sterling String Quartet from 1988 to 1990.

Leon has also given a number of concerto performances on the Viola d'amore with the Kantrovich Ensemble, including the Vivaldi d'amore concerto and the Telemann Triple Concerto with Rachel Brown (flute) and Robin Canter (Oboe d'amore).

Leon is a member of the Age of Enlightenment and has worked with many other leading UK period and modern instrument orchestras.

In 2001 Leon opened a publishing house, Quall Publications, specialising in the printing of Urtext editions of 18th Century works for viola d'amore. Leon's current catalogue includes the complete works by Vivaldi for viola d'amore and the Telemann triple concerto for flute, oboe d'amore and viola d'amore. He is currently expanding the catalogue to include works by Pezold, Graupner, Brentner and Ganspeck.

For further information please contact leonrking@mac.com or visit the Quall Publications website.

Leon was a member of staff at the Royal College of Music Junior Dept. (1988 - 1997) - a number of his RCM students continued their studies at conservatoires and are now professional musicians. From 2005 to 2008 Leon taught in secondary schools and was Acting Head of Department at Witchford Village College near Ely for much of that time. He returned to freelance orchestral playing in 2008.

Orchestral Work
Orchestras: Adderbury Ensemble, Chameleon Arts Orchestra, Charivari Agreable Simfonie, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Gabrieli Consort, London Handel Orchestra, New London Orchestra, Orchestra Da Camera, Orchestra of the 18th Century, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sinfonia ViVA, Stowe Opera.

Leon's orchestral work also includes the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Ulster Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra of Wales (guest sub principal), Orchestra of the Swan (guest principal), Philharmonia Orchestra and Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Leon is a member of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and as a specialist in period instruments has also worked with the Academy of Ancient Music, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, the Raglan Baroque Players, London Baroque Soloists, Fiori Musicali, Classical Opera Company and London Handel Orchestra

Leon's session work includes engagements for Ann Manly, Isobel Griffiths and Tonya Davall.

Education
Leon was born in the United States. Leon's schooling took place at Lancashire County Junior Music School (1976 - 1981) after his family moved to England. Leon's graduate studies took place at the Royal Academy of Music (1982 - 1986) & London Metropolitan University (BA/MusEd 1st class, 2005).

Prizes and Awards

• Lancashire County Junior Music Award for studies with Rudolf Botta in Manchester and later Roger Best in London.
• RAM Scholarship for studies with Stephen Shingles viola & Sidney Griller chamber music (1982).
• Cuthbert Nunn Prize for composition, RAM (1986).
• Williams Lea Chamber Music Competition (finalist, 1986).

Teachers: Roger Best, Stephen Shingles, Ian Jewel, Rudolf Botta & coaching from Max Gilbert and Ian Jewel.

Leon's web links
www.violadamore.co.uk
www.quallpublications.co.uk
herewardensemble.co.uk
www.leonking.me.uk

Leon joined Morgensterns in August 1988

Leon's web profile was last updated 28th Jan 2012