OPENING THE DOORS TO HER CHIC HOME IN CENTRAL PARIS
LEONA KONIG
TELLS HOW HELPING YOUNG MUSICIANS BECOME CLASSICAL STARS FILLS HER WITH JOIE DE VIVRE
‘The views are amazing, especially at night, when you can see the Tour Eiffel and the boats on the Seine’
Leona greets us from her magnificent home in central Paris (above left),
which features an impressive entrance hall (left)
and incredible views out to the Eiffel Tower (far left)
‘The views are amazing, especially at night, when you can see the Tour Eiffel and the boats on the Seine’
which is decorated in an explosion of colour thanks to the work of Parisian architect François- Joseph Graf,
who mixes and matches style and shades.
‘It’s classical in style and the apartment is typically Parisian. I bought it just as it was, furniture and all, because it was perfect’
A grand fireplace dominates the main room (right),
Mirrors from the 18th and 19th centuries add to the sense of space
It was hearing her young daughter’s music that inspired Leona König to change her life, swapping her social whirl for a stunning solo act as a philanthropist. She was watching her little daughter Jana playing the piano and giving concerts when she realised she wanted similarly talented children to have the chance to shine.
So, putting her training as an economist to good use, five years ago she founded her very own IMF, or International Music Foundation, devoted to helping gifted youngsters from any background become top classical performers.