The Society was founded in 1977 by the late John White and others, with the object of promoting the education of the public in the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the life and work of the French composer and pianist Charles Valentin Alkan (1813-1888).
An initial meeting to consider the formation of the Society was held on 18 January 1977, followed by an inaugural meeting on 18 May. The Object of the Society -- to advance the education of the public in the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the life and work of the French composer and pianist C. V. Alkan (1813-188) -- was defined in the meeting of 25 September 1978.
The formation and development of the Society was guided by the pianist Ronald Smith (1922-2004), elected as the first President of the Society.
