Violinist Volker Worlitzsch Has Died, Aged 78

A student of Josef Suk, Worlitzsch was first concertmaster of the NDR Radio Philharmonic in Hanover

German violinist Volker Worlitzsch, who had a significant impact on musical life in Hanover, Germany, for more than half a century, has passed away aged 78. Worlitzsch was first concertmaster of the NDR Radio Philharmonic between 1970 and 2009 and continued to contribute to the city during his retirement.

Born in Rathenow in 1944, Worlitzsch began his orchestral career early, receiving a post as concertmaster of the West German Mozart Orchestra in Soest aged just 16. He held this job while continuing his studies in Detmold and Hanover, with a notable teacher being Josef Suk — the great-grandson of Antonín Dvořák — in Prague.

In 1968, Worlitzsch won a position in the Berliner Philharmoniker, where the draw of working with Herbert von Karajan had proved persuasive. He stayed in Berlin only a short time, taking up the position of first concertmaster of the NDR Radio Philharmonic in 1970.

He left a significant impression on the ensemble and stayed in the role until his retirement in 2009. Worlitzsch continued to serve Hanover's music community, however, and became the conductor of the city's Medical School orchestra. He gave his final concert with that group in March 2023.

Worlitzsch was also a member of the Joachim Quartet. A committed pedagogue, he taught violin and chamber music at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and gave masterclasses around Europe.

Our condolences to Worlitzsch's family, friends, and colleagues.