In memoriam: Alfred Brendel (1931-2025)

Friday 20 June 2025

The Faculty of Music is sorry to learn of the passing of Alfred Brendel, who died on 17 June 2025 at the age of 94. Brendel was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from the University in 1983 and was also an Honorary Fellow of Exeter College. A celebrated pianist, Brendel was known for his interpretations of Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, and Liszt, and was the first pianist to record the complete solo piano works of Beethoven.

In Brendel's honour, the post of Alfred Brendel Curator of Music at the Bodleian Libraries was endowed in 2012. Current postholder Martin Holmes comments:

It has been an honour for me to have the name of such a distinguished figure associated with my job title. I was lucky enough to meet him several times and particularly privileged to have lunch with him only two weeks ago. He was a giant among pianists who will be greatly missed but his vast legacy of recordings and writings will live on.

Professor Laura Tunbridge delivering lecture, with student musician on stage behind

'Everyday Beethoven' - Professor Laura Tunbridge

23 October 2026

Professor Laura Tunbridge repeated her inaugural lecture as Heather Professor of Music at this year's Meeting Minds weekend for alumni. As the 200th anniversary of his death approaches in 2027, Ludwig van Beethoven remains ubiquitous, his music still dominating concerts, films and advertising. In 'Everyday Beethoven', Professor Tunbridge explores the friendships, collaborations and musical relationships that enabled the composer to come to prominence. A recording of the lecture is now available to watch online.

Professor Jennifer Walshe and Irish National Opera and win 2026 Sky Arts Award

14 October 2026

Dr Vai featured in Gramophone discussing the curation of the permanent exhibition Resonant Histories at the Bate Collection

12 October 2026

The Head of Collection and Curator has been interviewed by Gramophone about Resonant Histories, the new permanent exhibition at the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. The exhibition explores the histories and stories behind musical instruments, bringing their cultural significance and musical heritage to life, and offering visitors new perspectives on the collection and the stories its instruments hold.