In Memoriam: Walter Hilse (1941-2022)

Walter Hilse (1941 – 2022)

A native of New York City, Walter Hilse earned his advanced degrees from Columbia University. As a solo performer, he appeared throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East making triumphant tours of Sweden in 1990, 1994, and 1995. Of special note are his five critically acclaimed solo organ recitals at New York’s Alice Tully Hall, and several recent complete performances of Bach’s The Art of Fugue. Dr. Hilse collaborated with many singers and instrumentalists, as well as with ensembles such as the New York Virtuoso Singers, Sine Nomine, and the Florilegium Chamber Choir.

He was a frequently commissioned composer; publishing works for organ, piano, solo voices, and chorus, and was a prizewinning fellow of the American Guild of Organists. The Berkshire Bach Society released a CD of his live 1995 performance at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of The Art of Fugue; a CD featuring performances of music by various organ composers has been released by J.A.V. Recordings.

Walter Hilse was a Manhattan School of Music faculty from 1984 to 2022.