Death of Rudolf Weinsheimer

The Berliner Philharmoniker mourn the passing of Rudolf Weinsheimer, who was a cellist with the orchestra for four decades. He was known in particular as the initiator of the 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Born in Wiesbaden in 1931, Rudolf Weinsheimer studied at the Folkwangschule in Essen and was principal cellist of the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie from 1954. In December 1956, he became a member of the Berliner Philharmoniker at the start of the Karajan era, and was a member of the orchestra’s board from 1978 to 1984.

Rudolf Weinsheimer retired in 1996. His idea to found the 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker was realised in 1972: the result was an ensemble unique in its line-up and success. In addition, he was active in supporting young musicians, especially the orchestra of Waseda University in Tokyo. Rudolf Weinsheimer died on 11 April at the age of 91.