The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Kurt-Hans Goedicke, the distinguished timpanist and retired Head of Percussion at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

His illustrious performance career included serving as Principal Timpanist with the RTÉ Symphony Orchestra in Dublin before joining the London Symphony Orchestra in 1964, a position he held with distinction until 2000. As a leading educationalist, he served as Head of Timpani and Percussion at the Royal Academy of Music before moving to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he served as Head of Percussion and Distinguished Fellow in Timpani.

Professor Aaron Schorr, Director of Music said:

“Kurt-Hans Goedicke was a towering figure in the world of orchestral percussion, inspiring generations of students and colleagues. Personally, I still vividly recall his performances with the London Symphony in the 1980’s, where I was invariably transfixed by his overwhelming musical presence, mesmeric musical rigour, exactitude and power. He was a timpanist for the ages, working with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Pierre Boulez and Leonard Bernstein, while also providing a foundational presence in the iconic film scores of .

He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy and impact on the profession are beyond doubt. The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will dedicate the Percussion Department concert on 1 December to his memory.”

To celebrate his artistry, we share two historic moments: an interview in which he reflects on his work in the Star Wars film scores, and a performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring with Leonard Bernstein and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Kurt-Hans Goedicke talks ‘Star Wars’

Clip of ‘The Rite of Spring’ – Bernstein/LSO Kurt-Hans Goedicke