ALFRED BRENDEL (1931-2025)
Trustee, Keyboard Trust
It is with great sadness that the Keyboard Trust announces the death of one of its founder Trustees, Alfred Brendel.
Alfred Brendel was a friend and admirer of Noretta Conci MBE and John Leech MBE, Founders of the Keyboard Trust from the day of its creation in 1991.
He was a pinnacle to which all those who believed in Music with a capital M would refer to for guidance and inspiration.
From his very early recordings of Beethoven but also Balakirev, Stravinsky and, above all, Liszt here was a musician of great musical integrity whom one could trust. Together with Rudolf Serkin and Maurizio Pollini they formed an elite group of masters who could show generations what it means to be an interpreter of humility, honesty and integrity. It is no coincidence that Pollini, Brendel and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli shared the same birthday.
Brendel will remain a beacon whose flame will illuminate and inspire musicians for generations to come.
He will be much missed by the Keyboard Trust and we send our greatest sympathies and condolences to his family.
