Leslie Wilburn (b. 2001) is a neurodivergent violinist, violist, composer, pianist, and actor. He has had a cathartic relationship with music for virtually his entire life. Leslie uses music as a means to express emotions and depict scenes that he cannot put in words. He has performed solos on violin and piano with several orchestras as the winner of concerto competitions in Colorado (2011–2019). Leslie has also won prizes in American national composition contests (2018, 2019), as well as multiple state and regional awards in piano performance and composition (2013–2019). His compositions have been performed by several orchestras in Colorado. Leslie has been a member of Phamaly Theater Company (the world’s only theater company composed solely of performers with disabilities across the spectrum; physical, cognitive, intellectual, and emotional) since 2013, and has performed both as an actor and as a full member of their live orchestra for musicals (violin/viola). In 2024, Leslie received a Class I Bachelor of Music degree from the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, UK. He is currently continuing his studies for a Master’s degree in violin with Emily Sun at the RCM, where he is supported by the George Stennett Award.

Leslie enjoys all things Beethoven, is deeply passionate about historical performance practices, and in his spare time can often be found transcribing folk music to understand its construction. Much like one of his former literature teachers before him, Leslie also finds it quite awkward to write about himself in the third person.

https://www.thelondonclinic.co.uk/media-hub/harmony-restored-physiotherapy-helps-violinist

Background Image: Repeda Hill, Iaşi, Romania ©2019 Leslie Wilburn