BRINDEL, BERNARD (1912-1997)

Bernard Brindel, violinist/composer, has written works in all genres both large and small. The recipient of numerous commissions and prestigious grants, he has been performed throughout the United States and also in Bulgaria. A successful teacher and music director at several major institutions in Illinois and Michigan for many years, Brindel resided in Wilmette, Illinois, where he taught both privately and also at the New Trier Extension (Winnetka). Some of his works are published by Conners Publications. He was married to poet June Rachuy Brindel.

 

As a composer, he won awards and grants from the American Music Center, the Illinois Arts Council, the American Federation of Music and many individuals. For almost 70 years, Mr. Brindel taught music history, theory, composition and violin in the Chicago area. Among the hundreds of his students who became professionals, five joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and others are now solo artists, conductors and composers. When teaching children or adults, he told his students, "I'm giving you an assignment for the rest of your lives."

 

"He valued equally the hundreds of students who never became professionals, but who learned to love classical music knowledgeably and intensely," said his wife, June. "Many of them still enjoy doing the assignments he gave them." An active supporter of civil rights and civil liberties, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago and in Cicero and participated in many anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.