A Brendel joins a London ensemble

Adrian Brendel, Alfred’s son, has been appointed cellist of the long-running Nash Ensemble.

Congrats both sides.

press release:

CELLIST ADRIAN BRENDEL APPOINTED MEMBER OF NASH ENSEMBLE

NASH CELEBRATES 50^TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON AT WIGMORE HALL FROM 18 OCTOBER

The Nash Ensemble is happy to announce the appointment of Adrian Brendel as its cellist. His first performance with the Ensemble in this capacity is at the Nash Ensemble’s 50^th Anniversary Concert at Wigmore Hall on 18 October.

Adrian Brendel said: “I am delighted to be joining the Nash Ensemble, whose reputation as the UK’s leading chamber music collective has been so admirably developed during its first 50 years. The musicians are of the highest calibre, and Amelia Freedman’s inspiring direction and programming – including her incredible commitment to a wide range of contemporary music – make this a wonderful project to be a part of.”

Amelia Freedman, Founder and Artistic Director of the Nash Ensemble said: “I am truly delighted that Adrian Brendel has agreed to become a member of the Nash Ensemble. Adrian is a fine cellist and has a wide ranging interest in a diversity of repertoire, including embracing with enthusiasm, the Nash’s commitment to new music. This appointment augers well for the future of the Ensemble and for the wonderful players Adrian will be joining. I look forward to working with him on many happy and fruitful musical collaborations”

The concert on 18 October at 7.30pm features music by Debussy, Fauré, Ravel and Berlioz. It is preceded at 6pm by a free concert featuring works by David Matthews, Gordon Crosse and Mark-Anthony Turnage, all commissioned by the Nash Ensemble during its 50 year history and introduced by the composers.

Born in London in 1976, Adrian Brendel studied at Winchester College, Cambridge University and with Frans Helmerson at the Cologne music conservatoire. His other important teachers have included Alexander Baillie, Miklos Perenyi and William Pleeth, with whom he developed a strong attachment to the chamber music repertoire from a young age. He attended masterclasses with members of the Alban Berg quartet and Gyorgy Kurtag and was also a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s prestigious CMS2 scheme for two years from October 2002.

The Nash Ensemble, Resident Chamber Ensemble at Wigmore Hall since 2010, is acclaimed for its adventurous programming and virtuoso performances, presents works from Haydn to the avant-garde, and is a major contributor towards the recognition and promotion of contemporary composers: by the end of the 2014/15 season the group will have premiered over 300 new works, of which 193 have been specially commissioned.