Conductor Jörg Faerber has Died, Aged 93

The German conductor was the founder of the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn, and led the ensemble for more than four decades

Born in 1929 in Stuttgart, Jörg Faerber graduated from the Stuttgart State University of Music and the Performing Arts in 1953. His first professional post was as Music Director of the Theater Heilbronn, where he stayed until 1962.

In 1960, he began what was to become his life's work by founding the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra (WKO). As the group's Artistic Director and CEO, he conducted the group until 2002. As part of this work, the orchestra undertook tours of the United States, Canada, England, France, Austria, Japan, and South Africa, among others.

Faerber had a long-standing association with Germany's Vox Records. On this label, he recorded C.P.E. Bach's flute concerti, with soloist James Galway, and also made a prominent recording of concerti by Shostakovich and Haydn with Martha Argerich as the soloist.

He was the recipient of numerous awards for his work, including Germany's Golden Coin, the Ring of Honor of the City of Heilbronn, and the Federal Merit Cross on the Bande.

"Unfortunately, we, the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra Heilbronn, have to announce that our founder, first chief conductor and long-time executive director Jörg Faerber has died at his retirement home in Willich in Nordrhein-Westphalia," wrote the orchestra in a statement.

"Our musicians, as well as all the staff, mourn Jörg Faerber. Our deepest condolences to his family. We will miss him very much and will strive sincerely to preserve and continue his meritorious work of life."