#OBITUARY: Richard Oesterreicher from Austria

Austrian conductor and jazz musician Richard Osterreicher has died aged 90. Between 1978 and 1991, he fulfilled the role of conductor a total of 12 times, making him one of the most recognised Eurovision personalities in that time.

Outside of Eurovision appearances, he was a renowned musician, able to play the guitar, trombone and harmonica. In his time, he was the musical director for ORF’s Big Band, composing for a number of shows shown on the TV channel.

In 1981, he founded the Richard Oesterreicher-Big-Band, working with such famous names , including Eurovision participants Udo Jürgens and Marianne Mendt.

Below is the Eurovision song that finished highest during Richard’s times as Austria’s conductor.

Richard also composed this standard of Austrian football terraces.

Eurovision Ireland’s thoughts are with Richard Oesterreicher’s family at this time.

Author: John Stanton

Source: Eurovision Ireland