Obituary: Kurt-Hans Goedicke, 1935-2025

Kurt-Hans was born and educated in Berlin, Germany, where he studied music at the Universitat der Kunste graduating with Honours. Following graduation he left Germany and took up the position of Principal Timpanist with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra in Dublin.

In 1964 he moved to London when he was offered the position of Principal Timpani with the LSO. He remained with the Orchestra for 36 years, working with many of the world’s greatest conductors and composers including István Kertész, André Previn, Claudio Abbado, Sir Colin Davis, Pierre Boulez and Leonard Bernstein.

He served on the LSO’s Board of Directors for many years, including taking on the demanding role of Vice-Chairman from 1977 to 1983 during which time the Orchestra took up its residency in the Barbican.

Kurt-Hans was a passionate educator and during his time in London was Professor for Timpani at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was Head of Timpani and Percussion at the Royal Academy of Music. He held masterclasses all over the world.

In 2004, he moved to Scotland taking up the position of Distinguished Fellow in Timpani & Percussion and Head of Department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Aged 88, he retired in September 2023.

We send our condolences to his many friends and colleagues.