Record

CodeDS/UK/1443
NameMoiseiwitsch; Benno (22 February 1890-9 April 1963); CBE; Ukrainian-born Russian pianist
Variations of NameBenno Moisewitsch
Dates22 February 1890-9 April 1963
GenderMale
Place of Birth/OriginOdessa, Ukraine (born)
RelationshipsMarried Daisy Kennedy (15 April 1914)
Married Russian Anita “Annie” Gensburger (1929 in Shanghai)

2 daughters with Kennedy: theatre designer Tanya Moiseiwitsch (December 1914-2003) and Sandra Moiseiwitsch (romantic history with Peter John Otter Self, brother of Hugh Michael Self, and father of Jonathan Otter Self and William Woodard Self).
1 son with Anita - New Zealand National Radio broadcaster Boris Stanislav Moiseiwitsch
BiographyBorn in Odessa, Ukraine, Moiseiwitsch began his studies at age seven at the Odessa Music Academy. He won the Anton Rubinstein Prize when he was just nine years old. He later took lessons from Theodor Leschetizky in Vienna. He first appeared in London in 1909 and made his American debut in 1919. He settled in England and took British citizenship in 1937.

Moiseiwitsch was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1946, for his consistent contributions during the Second World War, performing hundreds of recitals to servicemen and charities.

He married Daisy Kennedy, an Australian concert violinist, and had two daughters, Sandra and the set designer, Tanya Moiseiwitsch.

He was a friend of Nikolai Medtner and commissioned the Piano Concerto No. 3 "Ballade" (1940-43).

Related Events

Add to My Items