Eugene Rittich (15 August 1928 – June 18, 2006) was a

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musician who taught

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and ensemble master classes and seminars for over 30 years in Canada, the

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and

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. In addition to his seminars, Rittich's services as advisor, adjudicator and jury member for Arts Councils, Universities, Music Festivals, and Competitions throughout Canada and the U.S. had helped him to guide many young players into distinguished professional careers around the world. Eugene Rittich's long association with the

Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) is an orchestral training programme for musicians under 22, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The TSYO is led by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's RBC Resident Conductor, Trevor Wilson, and coached by T ...

, the

National Youth Orchestra A youth orchestra is an orchestra made of young musicians, typically ranging from pre-teens or teenagers to those of conservatory age. Depending on the age range and selectiveness, they may serve different purposes. Orchestras for young studen ...

and the Faculty of Music at the

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was honored twice by the

International Horn Society The International Horn Society (IHS) is an international organization dedicated to players of the horn founded in June 1970. Its goal is to promote horn playing, education and fellowship. The society aims to bring together horn players, educators, ...

in awarding him their Punto Award ''"in recognition of distinguished contributions and service to the art of horn playing".'' Rittich designed a mute, which is today the basis for most modern horn mutes. The Rittich mute is described as having a colorful sound and very even response throughout the entire range of the horn, in contrast with earlier mutes which tended to be stuffy in the low range. Rittich was Principal horn with the

Toronto Symphony Orchestra The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1906, the TSO gave regular concerts at Massey Hall until 1982, and since then has performed at Roy Thomson Hall. The TSO also manages the Toron ...

until 1974, when he was named co-principal with Fred Rizner. In 1986 he became Associate Principal to Principal horn Fred Rizner until his retirement in 1989. Before retiring in 1989 from his position as a Principal French Horn of the Toronto Symphony, Rittich had gained prominence as one of Canada's most distinguished horn players and teachers, giving performances and producing recordings with many of the world's great conductors and soloists. Numerous tours in Europe, Asia, and North America highlighted his 37-year playing career. Rittich died in Toronto after a lengthy battle with cancer in Princess Margaret Hospital.

References

1928 births 2006 deaths Canadian classical horn players 20th-century Canadian classical musicians 20th-century Canadian male musicians Toronto Symphony Orchestra members {{Brass-musician-stub