Around the Music Festival

Peter Schmidl, former Principal clarinet player of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, passed away suddenly on February 1st. He was 84 years old. In addition to performing with the Vienna Philharmonic, he also participated in various chamber music ensembles and devoted himself to teaching the next generation of musicians, nurturing many performers.

Born in Olmütz (now Olomouc, Czech Republic), in the German Protectorate of Bohemia-Moravia. He grew up in a family where his grandfather, Alois, and father, Viktor, were principal clarinet players in the Vienna Philharmonic. He studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, and also studied acting and directing at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna.

In 1965, he joined the Vienna State Opera Orchestra, the parent organization of the Vienna Philharmonic, as a second clarinet player. Three years later, he became a first clarinet player and joined the Vienna Philharmonic, where he served as principal clarinet player from 1982 until his retirement in 2010.

He was also frequently invited by Herbert von Karajan as a guest, and made many guest appearances with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also active in the field of chamber music, and has performed around the world as a member of the “New Vienna Octet” and the “Vienna Woodwind Soloists”.

On the other hand, he has been teaching at his alma mater since 1967, and his students are active in orchestras around the world. He has also recorded for labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Decca and Teldec.

He has received numerous awards, including the Salzburg Order of Merit in 1984 and the Austrian Cross of Honor for Art and Science in 1991.

PHOTO：ALSOJ ONLINE