Lionel Bentley

British violinist, teacher of violin, and later a conductor. Born 17 February 1908 in London, England, UK and died 2 May 2003 in London, England, UK. Sub-Principal Second Violin of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Former member of the London Symphony Orchestra (1930-1951). He played with the Blech String Quartet for ten years. In 1955, he joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as leader. From 1956 until 1984, he led his own Amici String Quartet being its President from 1983 to 1984. He gave up orchestral playing in 1964. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music.