Leo De Neve began his studies (already at a very young age) under the guidance of Kati Sebestyen at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and later with Bruno Giuranna in Berlin and Ervin Schiffer in Tilburg.

For 16 years he was the 1st Principal Viola in ‘deFilharmonie’ in Antwerp and in ‘La Monnaie- Opéra’ in Brussels.

As promotor of his instrument he is a constant source of inspiration for contemporary composers. So he made many premieres of viola concerti and sonatas (Fr. Celis, W. Henderickx, Fr Houwen, P. Steegmans, ...) in concerts and on cd’s.

He is also a member of the ‘Spiegel String Quartet’ www.spiegelstringquartet (in Residence - Royal Conservatory in Antwerp) and the ‘Arpae Ensemble’ www.arpae.be (flute, viola, harpe). With these ensembles (as well as solo) he is playing at home and abroad (Europe, Asia, South Africa, … ), and in addition to the large repertoire the own heritage (Belgian music) and contemporary music has an important role.

As solist or in his ensembles he made cd recordings of Franck, Chausson, Lekeu, Schubert, Debussy, Bartok, Schumann, Janacek, Jongen, Scarlatti, … and this for many labels: MDG, Naxos, Marco Polo, Phaedra, Megadisc, Vox Temporis, …

Because teaching is very important to him, he is giving masterclasses (Europ, Japan, ) and he is professor ‘viola’ and coordinator ‘lower strings’ at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp (Artesis University). Where he likes to give his knowledge and experience as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral musician at the service of upcoming young musicians.

He is playing a beautifull italian D. Techler (Rome 1702) viola.