Bennett, Sir William Sterndale

Bennett, Sir William Sterndale, 1816–75, English musician. Bennett was a friend of Mendelssohn and Schumann, both of whom influenced his work. Besides composing, he was active as a pianist and conductor. He founded the Bach Society and in 1854 gave the first public British performance of the St. Matthew Passion. Bennett's compositions include a symphony, four piano concertos, and much solo piano music.