Leonid Sushansky

Violinist Leonid Sushansky has earned international acclaim for the “gorgeous tone, compelling musical personality, and passionate intensity” (The Washington Post) that define his performances. Described by The New York Times as “astonishing,” he brings a rare combination of virtuosity, depth, and storytelling to the stage.

Leonid’s artistic journey began early. At 15, he was invited by Zubin Mehta to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto—an extraordinary moment shaped by years of study at the Juilliard School under the legendary pedagogue Dorothy DeLay, mentorship from Isaac Stern, and an upbringing immersed in music with his mother, violinist Rimma Sushanskaya, a student of David Oistrakh.

Since then, he has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras across North America and Europe, and has performed in distinguished venues including Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonie, Leipzig Gewandhaus, the Kennedy Center, Bargemusic, and the Phillips Collection. His concerto and recital work has brought him before audiences worldwide, from collaborations with the Bergen Philharmonic and Berlin Chamber Orchestra to chamber performances with leading artists such as Dylana Jenson, Lowell Liebermann, and Thomas Pandolfi.

A devoted educator as well as performer, Leonid serves on the faculty of the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C., and has previously taught at the University of Mary Washington and the Academy of Fine Arts. His students have gone on to study at major conservatories including Juilliard and Boston University.

As Artistic Director of the National Chamber Ensemble, he curates innovative programming that blends masterworks, contemporary compositions, and collaborations with distinguished guests. Recent highlights include the Washington, D.C. premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s Horn Trio and Violin Sonata with the composer at the piano, Bach’s Double Concerto with Dylana Jenson, and acclaimed recital tours across the U.S. and Europe.

Upcoming engagements include solo appearances with the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Ecuador, the Manassas Symphony at the Hylton Center for the Arts, the National Chamber Ensemble in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and a major performance of The Four Seasons at the Kennedy Center. He also returns to the recital stage with pianist Thomas Pandolfi for their program. “Juilliard Virtuosi Perform Bach, Liebermann, and Brahms.” 

Leonid resides in Arlington, Virginia, where he enjoys theater, reading, and rollerblading when he’s not performing or teaching.