“William Bennett (WIBB) has raised the profile of the flute to that of an instrument of subtle tonal colours, dynamics and expression. He may well be considered the natural heir to the legacy of his great inspiration, mentor, and teacher…Marcel Moyse.”
William Bennett, affectionately referred to by friends and students as “WIBB” was one of the most inspiring performers and teachers of the last 40 years. A student of Jean-Pierre Rampal, Marcel Moyse, and Geoffrey Gilbert, he embodied the best of these three great masters thereby continuing their legacy with his inspiring masterclasses and approach to coaching flutists towards a greater musicality. He recorded at least 300 separate musical works from the solo flute repertoire, chamber music, including selections from his vast collection of personal transcriptions for flute – not including the numerous orchestral recordings he participated in throughout his career. His orchestral career was prolific with his numerous performances with the London Symphony, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, and the English Chamber Orchestra. His years of recordings and international performances as a soloist and Principal Flutist have, along with his gift of a unique imaginative teaching style, earned him the recognition of the Queen of England in 1995 with the OBE Award for his services in music. He is most known amongst flutists for his musical integrity, beautiful tone, and unique sense of artistry, not to mention his sense of humor. He was honored with the NFA Lifetime Achievement Award in August 2002, Washington D.C. – NFA Convention for his contributions and achievements.