German Cellist Wolfgang Boettcher Has Died, Aged 86

He served as principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic from 1963 until his retirement in 1976

In 1990, he performed the world premiere of the Giselher Klebe's Cello Concerto under the baton of Daniel Barenboim.

A founding member of the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic and the Brandis Quartet, Wolfgang held teaching positions at the Hochschule für Musik Berlin and the Carl Flesch Akademie Baden-Baden.

"The music world has lost a great artist and teacher in Wolfgang Boettcher," fellow Berlin Phil cellist Knut Weber writes. "The Berliner Philharmoniker mourns not only a former colleague but also a close friend. He shaped the sound of our cello section, both as an active member and through his students. In this way, Wolfgang Boettcher made his mark on the musical memory of the Berliner Philharmoniker like few others.”

Our condolences are with Mr. Boettcher's family, friends, colleagues, and students.