Overview
- His daughter, Barbara Schmidt-Gaden, confirmed his death at age 88, with a choir spokesperson reporting he died in Benediktbeuern after a long illness.
- He created the Tölzer Knabenchor in 1956 from a scout group while he was still finishing Kapellmeister studies in Munich.
- Over decades he led the boys’ choir to global stages with tours to China, Japan and the United States.
- A planned succession faltered when designated heir Ralf Ludewig left in 2014 to found the Münchner Knabenchor, and the handover concluded in 2016 with former pupil Christian Fliegner taking musical leadership.
- Operations remain stable with Barbara as managing director and Helga Schmidt-Gaden as authorized signatory, with rehearsals in ZDF facilities in Unterföhring and a roster of about 210 members in the choir’s 70th year.