Obituary: Herbert Blomstedt

The Philharmonia Orchestra is deeply saddened by the death of Herbert Blomstedt, one of the most admired and beloved conductors of his generation, who has died aged 99. 

Few conductors inspire such universal admiration, respect and affection among the musicians they work with. Blomstedt combined extraordinary musical insight with an understated wisdom, warmth and infectious enjoyment of music-making. His remarkable career spanned more than seven decades, from his conducting debut with the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in 1954 to performances well into his late nineties. 

Blomstedt first conducted the Philharmonia in 2006 at the Edinburgh International Festival and became a regular guest from 2016 onwards. His concerts with the Orchestra centred on the great symphonic repertoire, particularly the music of his beloved Bruckner, alongside Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and Berlioz. His meticulous attention to the score, quiet authority and deep respect for the musicians made him a much-loved figure among the Orchestra’s players. 

In October 2024, aged 97, Blomstedt returned to the Royal Festival Hall to conduct Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 to a sold-out concert hall. That moving performance will live long in the memories of everyone involved, not least for the awed silence that followed Mahler’s ethereal final bars. Looking back, it feels like a poignant farewell to a conductor who meant so much to the Orchestra. 

“Herbert Blomstedt was one of the most cherished conductors to work with the Philharmonia. He had a remarkable ability to draw the very best from the Orchestra, combining profound musicianship with immense warmth and generosity. Our performance of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony with him in 2024 was unforgettable, and we had very much hoped to welcome him back. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

James Buckle, President & Principal Bass Trombone

Despite his advancing years, Blomstedt’s enthusiasm for music never diminished. He continued to conduct with the same curiosity and commitment that had sustained his long career, and spoke often of the joy he found in working with orchestras. 

Our former Principal Conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, remembers meeting Blomstedt backstage and asking him the secret to his boundless energy and happiness. His answer? “That’s easy – I only do things I absolutely love, I only conduct music that matters to me, and I only work with people that I like.” 

It was a privilege for the Philharmonia to be on that list.
We will remember Herbert with enormous affection and gratitude, and we will miss him greatly.