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Helmut Braunlich Obituary
Helmut Braunlich, age 84, passed away at home on May 24, 2013, in Eugene, OR, after a 5-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife Patricia, and sons Kurt and Martin.
Born on May 19, 1929, to a German family in Bruenn, Czechoslovakia, Helmut had an older brother Karl, and an older sister Irmgard. Showing signs of early musical talent, he began violin lessons at the age of 6, and continued to play throughout his life. After fleeing the Red Army in 1945, he won a stipend to study at the Mozarteum in Saltsburg, where he studied violin with Christa Richter-Steiner and composition with Egon Kornauth. He graduated with honors in 1949.
After his immigration to the US (1951), he played with various professional orchestras and, in 1954, became a member of the US Air Force Strings. The Korean G.I. Bill permitted him to pursue further studies in Composition at Catholic University in Washington, DC, where he earned a Ph.D. in Musicology in 1966, and served on the faculty beginning in 1960. He appeared as concert master for the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra, recitalist 1st violinist for the Jefferson Quartet. Several of his compositions were performed across the US and Europe. In 1989, he was the recipient of The Sudetendeutscher Kulturepreis.
It was after retirement, in 1997, that he began a favorite research project; finding a location with gorgeous nature, grand mountains to climb, and gardens to grow. He and Patricia moved to Eugene in 2008.
Condolences may be sent to the guest book at
www.registerguard.com/legacy
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Chamber Music Series at Beall Hall (music.uoregon.edu/cmb).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Helmut Braunlich
Carl Rubis
June 3, 2023
Helmut was not only a superb violinist but a fine teacher as well. His teaching helped me prolong my playing career.
Carl Rubis
June 25, 2013
It was my great pleasure to study with Helmut for several years while I worked on my masters degree. He was a supberb violinist,a truly great teacher, and a kind and caring mentor. I will miss him greatly
Carl Rubis
Joan Hemmerich Lunsford
Joan Hemmerich Lunsford
June 25, 2013
Dr. Braunlich was my violin prof at CUA where I was studying for my Masters in Music Ed. I admired him very much. He was very kind and thoughtful. I'm sending my sympathy and love.
Kim Larsen
June 21, 2013
Dear Pat,
My thoughts are with you. I did not get the chance to know Helmut, but he clearly had a fulfilling life, and a wonderful family in you and your sons. I'm here any time you'd like to talk, walk, eat, see a movie...
Take care.
Kim
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John Heintz
June 12, 2013
Helmut always had a kind word for me in German or English, plus an impish grin whenever our paths crossed in Eugene. I shall miss him whenever I attend any Beall Hall concert.
Delta Ruscheinsky
June 10, 2013
Thinking about you and your family today Patricia. My deepest sympathy.
June 9, 2013
Helmut Bräunlich war ein Landsmann von uns, der eine Zeitlang auch zum Stammtisch gekommen war. Es tut mir leid, daß ich ihn nicht näher kennen gelernt hatte.
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