Leonidas Raffaelian

Leonidas Rafaelian is one of Cremona’s most distinctive master violin makers: a former violist turned luthier whose instruments are shaped by both music and spirituality. Born in Athens and classically trained in Armenia, he later moved to Italy to apprentice under Gio Batta Morassi, earning his diploma in Cremona in 1995 and going on to win prestigious prizes.

Rafaelian’s work is rooted in a belief that violin making is a healing art, inspired by ancient Greek temples, the great masters of Cremona, and the voices of legendary musicians. His instruments have been commissioned by icons such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Zakhar Bron, Maxim Vengerov, Yuri Bashmet, and can be found in major orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic and RTVE Symphony Orchestra.

Rafaelian cultivates a deep collaboration with each player, striving to create instruments with profound character and soul: instruments that sing, console, and inspire.