In memoriam Reinhart von Gutzeit

A life dedicated to music, theatre, art and education

Reinhart von Gutzeit was born in Berlin. He began his musical education at the Jugendmusikschule Düsseldorf, later studying Music Education at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, as well as German studies at the universities of Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Freiburg. After completing his habilitation, he was appointed University Professor of Music Pedagogy and Music Education.

Between 1967 and 1995, he taught violin, viola, and conducting, inspiring generations of young musicians, many of whom went on to pursue distinguished careers. A father of five, he was a passionate music educator who served as head of the Bochum Music School—one of the largest institutions of its kind in Germany—and held numerous leadership roles in the fields of music education and instrumental pedagogy.

He served as Chair of the Association of German Music Schools, sat on the executive committees of both the German Music Council and the European Music School Union, and was a trustee of the Institute for Research on Musical Ability. As the founder and editor of the journal Üben & Musizieren, he brought fresh impetus to the field of instrumental pedagogy. His 1985 article Europe and Music was awarded a journalism prize by the European Council.

For over 25 years he held overall responsibility for the music competition “Jugend musiziert” and contributed significantly to its further development. As chair of a committee of experts, he led the process of music university reform in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.

A trailblazer and visionary in Austria

From 1995 to 2004, Reinhart von Gutzeit was the director of the Bruckner Conservatoire in Linz, and was instrumental in its being granted university status; he subsequently served as Rector of the newly created Anton Bruckner Private University from 2004 to 2006.

As Rector of the Mozarteum University Salzburg (2006–2014), he was a driving force behind key developments that have shaped the university’s identity in recent times:

• Opening of new university buildings, including the main building on Mirabellplatz, the Theatrum, the KunstWerk, and the Theater im KunstQuartier.
• Founding of new institutes and further facilities, such as the Sándor Végh Institute for Chamber Music and the KunstARCHIVRaum archive.
• Initiation and promotion concert series such as “HerbstTöne”, “KlangReisen”, “MozClassic Benefizakademie“ and the “Salzburg Chamber Music Festival”, as well as piano cycles showcasing– at that time – Peter Lang and Herbert Schuch.
• Enabling the first Promotion Sub Auspiciis at the Mozarteum University.
• Co-founding the Salzburger Hochschulkonferenz and hosting numerous national and international conferences.
• Reorientation and revitalisation of the Acting, Directing and Applied Theatre Department: it was under his leadership that the department gained renewed momentum and grew to become one of the leading theatre departments in the German-speaking world. The decision to consolidate its identity through the creation of the Thomas Bernhard Institute stemmed from his initiative.
• Promotion of multi-disciplinarity: Reinhart von Gutzeit was acutely aware of the diversity of the arts and championed efforts to establish the Mozarteum’s identity as a university of music, theatre and fine arts.
• Raising the profile of the Institute for Early Music: Reinhart von Gutzeit’s tenure as rector saw the introduction of new study programmes in subjects such as baroque violin, baroque cello, traverso, vocal studies in early music, stylistics and historical performance practice; He also initiated the Baroque Night, which has remained a staple in the Mozarteum University’s events calendar ever since.

He served as a member of the Presidium of the International Mozarteum Foundation from 2014 to 2024 and was named an honorary member in 2025. As President of the Salzburg Biennale (2009–2014), he left a lasting mark on the Festival for New Music.

Accolades and enduring values

His work was recognised with numerous honours, including the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1997), the Gold Decoration of Honour of the Province of Upper Austria (2006), the Carl Orff Medal of the Association of Bavarian Music Schools (2010), and the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2019).

Reinhart von Gutzeit was a man of remarkable integrity, with a big heart, a sharp mind, and a great sense of humour. He believed in music as a universal language and was committed to preserving the musical heritage, promoting diversity, and supporting contemporary forms of expression. His work has touched the lives of countless people and inspired generations of musicians.

Many of those who worked with him will remember him for his inclusive nature, his benevolence, his wisdom and his ability to further the interests of others by creating opportunities and smoothing their path to success. He will forever remain a great inspiration to us and a beloved member of our community.

Funeral and memorial service

A private funeral will be held for close family only. A memorial event in honour of Reinhart von Gutzeit will take place at the Mozarteum University Salzburg:

Sunday 16th November 2025, 3.00pm

Solitär, Universität Mozarteum Salzburg
Mirabellplatz 1, 5020 Salzburg

We will remember him with gratitude and deep respect.

Tributes to Reinhart von Gutzeit

"Reinhart von Gutzeit’s voice will continue to resonate in many places for a long time to come. His kind words and warm manner transcended boundaries between institutions and artistic positions, encouraged dialogue and opened up new paths. He consistently succeeded in translating important concerns and forward-thinking ideas into institutional development. Education was a topic very close to his heart – a way of bringing people together across generations, social groups and cultures, and the key to human kindness, diversity and a peaceful future. We will remember him with deep gratitude."

Rector Prof. Elisabeth Gutjahr

"Reinhart von Gutzeit was a truly remarkable person. Everything he did was guided by respect, integrity, and a belief in the best in everyone he encountered. As rector of the Mozarteum University, he nurtured a climate of trust and was deeply committed to enabling each student to flourish in their own way. His life’s work remains a model of responsible leadership and the sustainable development of a vibrant university community. We remember Reinhart von Gutzeit with the deepest gratitude and affection.“

Vice-Rector O.Univ.-Prof. Mag. Hannfried Lucke

"Reinhart von Gutzeit will be greatly missed. We will remember him as an enormously generous man with subtle wit, whose eye for opportunities was quite remarkable. He was a tireless encourager and energetic supporter, always eager to hear about the ambitions and plans of others. Thanks to his extraordinary communicative talent and his ability to bring different groups together, he brought about positive developments and lasting change at the Mozarteum University."

Univ.-Prof. Christoph Lepschy, Chair of the Senate

"Reinhart von Gutzeit was a humanist in the truest sense of the word. He was guided in all his actions by the dignity of every person and a love for his fellow human beings. Blessed with many talents and a wry sense of humour, he forgave human weaknesses and encouraged strengths. He always saw the best in everyone he encountered — not only in his professional life as rector, but also as a friend. Reinhart was a man of great trust, and he inspired that trust in others. With great intellect and cheerful serenity, he was a good shepherd to all in his care and gave everything around him the space to grow and flourish. His enormous life’s work was the product of this philosophy. Our time together at the Mozarteum was unforgettable. His sense of service and his human kindness will stay with us as a guiding example and fertile ground for all we do. Rest in peace, dear Reinhart."

Rector of the Arts University Linz Mag.^a Brigitte Hütter, MSc,
Vice-Rector of the Mozarteum during the tenure of Rector von Gutzeit

"Reinhart von Gutzeit was a hugely important person in my life. I looked up to him greatly, and during the years we worked together in the rectorate, I learned an enormous amount from him. Every decision he made was well-considered, always guided by humanity and a clear sense of purpose. I will miss him as a father figure and a friend."

 O.Univ.-Prof. Lukas Hagen,
Vice-Rector of the Mozarteum during the tenure of Rector von Gutzeit

"Reinhart von Gutzeit’s tenure as rector was an era of institutional change at the Mozarteum, built on a remarkably communicative leadership style that was based on solid values. He motivated us to “think big” and to take the initiative. Every encounter with him demonstrated how it is possible to present a well-constructed argument, and at the same time consider other viewpoints with lucid insight, warmth and wit. Reinhart von Gutzeit may have left this life, but his legacy lives on and continues to shape the future." 

A.o. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Gratzer,
Vice-Rector of the Mozarteum during the tenure of Rector von Gutzeit

"Reinhart von Gutzeit was an extraordinary individual and a visionary leader, whose sensitive and genuine manner left a lasting impression on the culture of the Mozarteum. I owe him a debt of gratitude for his far-sighted support and trust, thanks to which the Institute – later the Department – of Early Music was able to flourish. His legacy lives on in all those who were inspired by his generosity and open heart."

Univ.-Prof. Dorothee Oberlinger, Department of Early Music

"With his warm-hearted and inquisitive nature, Reinhart von Gutzeit was able to make new ideas a reality. His openness, deep respect for everyone he encountered, and caring sense of commitment enabled him to bring together the most diverse artists and to strengthen dialogue between departments, fostering collaborations never seen before. He led our university with calm serenity and innate authority; time and again, he attracted exciting artists to the Mozarteum and built on what they had to offer. He was a wonderful role model for many of us. Thank you, dear Reinhart."

Univ.-Prof. Amélie Niermeyer, Thomas Bernhard Institute