Obituary: Ernst Ottensamer

The Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic announce with deep sorrow the sudden death of long-time orchestra member Ernst Ottensamer, who has succumbed to a heart attack. 
This loss leaves a deep personal and artistic void. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. 
Ernst Ottensamer was born in Upper Austria in 1955 and studied clarinet at the University of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna. In 1979 he joined the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and since 1983 he has made his artistic mark as principal clarinetist of the Vienna Philharmonic. He began his teaching career at the Vienna University of Music in 1986 and became a full professor in 2000. 
Ernst Ottensamer formed several chamber music ensembles, foremost the Wiener Virtuosen, the Wiener Bläserensemble, the Wiener Solisten Trio and, together with his sons Daniel and Andreas, The Clarinotts. 
He has performed as chamber musician and soloist with the most prominent ensembles, orchestras and conductors.