Minna Keal facts for kids

Minna Keal, born Mina Nerenstein (22 March 1909 – 14 November 1999), was a British composer. She wrote music when she was a student. But then she stopped for many years. She only started composing again late in her life. When her music was first played at the Proms in 1989, she was 80 years old! She felt like her life was just beginning again. She said, "I felt I was coming to the end of my life, but now I feel as if I'm just beginning. I feel as if I'm living my life in reverse."

Minna Keal's Life Story

Early Life and Music

Mina Nerenstein was born in the East End of London. Her parents were immigrants from Belarus. They had a business selling Hebrew books. Her father passed away in 1926.

In 1928, Mina went to the Royal Academy of Music. She studied how to compose music. She wrote some chamber pieces as a student. These were played at the Academy and other places.

Her First Compositions

Mina showed great promise as a young musician. Some of her early works still exist today. These include a Fantasie for violin and piano. She also wrote a Ballade for viola and piano. This piece was first played in 1929. Her early music was very emotional and had beautiful melodies.

A Break from Music

In 1929, when she was 20, Mina had to stop her music studies. She needed to help her mother with the family business. She married Barnett Samuel, who was a lawyer. They had a son named Raphael. He later became a famous historian. During this time, Mina stopped composing music.

Helping Others During Wartime

In the 1930s, Mina was involved in groups that wanted to make society fairer. She joined the British Communist Party in 1939. When Nazi Germany took over Austria, she helped Jewish children. She worked with local people to bring these children to Britain.

During World War II, Mina's first marriage ended. She then worked in a factory that made parts for airplanes. There, she met Bill Keal. They got married in 1959.

Returning to Composing

In 1975, another composer named Justin Connolly found some of Mina's old music. It was stored at the Royal Academy of Music. He encouraged her to start writing music again. She began taking composition lessons with him.

New Works and Performances

Mina completed her String Quartet, Op. 1, in 1978. It was first performed in 1989. Her Wind Quintet, Op. 2, followed in 1980. She then took lessons with Oliver Knussen in 1982. After that, she finished her Symphony, Op. 3. This symphony was played on the BBC in 1988. It was also performed at the famous BBC Proms in 1989.

She finished Cantillation for violin and orchestra, Op. 4, in 1988. It was first played in 1991. From 1988 to 1994, she worked on her Cello Concerto, Op. 5. This piece was recorded by Alexander Baillie and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Her earlier Ballade (1929) was also recorded.

In 1999, the Royal Academy of Music held a special concert for her 90th birthday. Friends and colleagues celebrated her music. Minna Keal showed that you are never too old to make a big impact. She passed away on 14 November 1999.