Roland Kohloff Dies

I learned of the death of Roland Kohloff today while reading the Percussive Arts Society message board. Within a posting on the PAS message board there was a link to this article (local copy) on the death of Roland Kohloff, former timpanist of the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Kohloff was born on 30 January 1935, attended the Julliard School of Music, performed as principal timpanist of the San Francisco Symphony for 16 years, then moving to the New York Philharmonic where he performed for 32 years. He died on 24 February 2006.

Many of Mr. Kohloff's students have gone on to become accomplished and notable timpanists. He is the timpanist that is heard in many great recordings, including notable recordings by Leonard Bernstein.

Farewell to this great musician.