RUBINSTEIN, BERYL (26 Oct. 1898-29 Dec. 1952), pianist, composer, teacher, and director of the CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF MUSIC from 1932-52, was born in Athens, Ga., son of Isaac and Matilda (Abrahams) Rubinstein. He began his pianist career as a child performer touring the U.S. from 1905-11 making his debut with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 1911. He subsequently went to Europe to study with Jose Vianna De Motta and Ferrucio Busoni, making his professional debut in New York in 1916 and appearing with the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, San Francisco Symphony, and London Symphony orchestras.
In 1921, Rubinstein joined the piano faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Music; he became head of the piano department in 1925, dean of faculty in 1929, and director in 1932, in which position he remained until his death. During his tenure at the institute, he brought world-renowned musicians to the faculty. He continued his active concert and recital career. As a composer, he produced works for orchestra, piano, violin, string quartet, and voice, and an opera, The Sleeping Beauty, premiered in New York in 1938. He served in the U.S. Army 1942-44 and gave over 75 concerts for servicemen.
Rubinstein died of cancer. On 29 Dec. 1925, Rubinstein married Elsa Landesman. They had two children, Ellen and Beryl David. Rubinstein died in CLEVELAND HTS. and was buried in the Mayfield Cemetery.