Helmuth Rilling, Oregon Bach Festival Co-Founder, Dies at 92

Rilling helped establish the renowned classical music festival in Eugene, Oregon.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Helmuth Rilling, the co-founder and longtime conductor of the Oregon Bach Festival, has died at the age of 92. Rilling was instrumental in establishing the renowned classical music festival in Eugene, Oregon, which has become a major cultural institution in the Pacific Northwest.

Why it matters

Rilling's death marks the end of an era for the Oregon Bach Festival, which he helped build into one of the premier classical music events in the United States over the course of his decades-long tenure as its artistic director and conductor. His passing will be deeply felt by the classical music community in Oregon and beyond.

The details

Rilling co-founded the Oregon Bach Festival in 1970 and served as its artistic director and principal conductor until his retirement in 2015. Under his leadership, the festival grew from a small local event into an internationally acclaimed classical music festival that attracted renowned soloists, ensembles, and conductors from around the world.

  • Rilling co-founded the Oregon Bach Festival in 1970.
  • Rilling served as the festival's artistic director and principal conductor until his retirement in 2015.
  • Rilling passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 92.

The players

Helmuth Rilling

The co-founder and longtime conductor of the Oregon Bach Festival, which he helped establish as a premier classical music event in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon Bach Festival

A renowned classical music festival in Eugene, Oregon, that Rilling co-founded in 1970 and led as artistic director and principal conductor until his retirement in 2015.

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The takeaway

Rilling's passing marks the end of an era for the Oregon Bach Festival, which he helped transform into a world-class classical music event over the course of his decades-long tenure. His legacy will continue to shape the festival and the classical music landscape in the Pacific Northwest for years to come.