The musician performed with the orchestra for 30 years

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Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg principal double bass Martin Bürgschwendtner has died at the age of 48 following a long illness. The musician was a member of the orchestra for 30 years, joining in 1984. A native of Salzburg, he also performed with Musiciens du Louvre, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Salzburg and Salzburg Chamber Soloists.

The Mozarteum Orchestra and principal conductor Ivor Bolton announced the death on their website, describing Bürgschwendtner as a ‘charismatic, great musician, a friend and a happy, committed colleague’ who played ‘with great enthusiasm and great musicality’.

The statement continues: ‘As a council chairman, he worked for his colleagues and the community in positive ways. We mourn with deep gratitude, and our thoughts are with his family.’

Watch Martin Bürgschwendtner performing the Allegro vivace from Schubert’s ‘Trout’ Quintet below:

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