JAVS Fall 2020

played with and had an active role with the Pro Nova Ensemble in North Vancouver, and played regularly with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra for many years. He was also a longtime fervent supporter of the Canadian Music Centre, and a sabbatical spent studying at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna was a highlight of his life. Although he left his position at UBC at the age of 65, the word “retirement” had no meaning for Hans. He simply kept doing what he loved, mentoring up-and-coming musicians, attending concerts and recitals (a favorite was the Wednesday Noon Hour concerts hosted by UBC Music), continuing to play music with his friends and writing witty and eloquent emails to his friends and family in the early-morning hours. Those early mornings in his final years were also spent arranging and adapting Late Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic music originally written for instruments other than the viola. His goal, in his words, was to create “a library of materials for violists that may help develop another marketable professional possibility. Of course, maybe more importantly, it adds another repertoire just for the violist’s pleasure in making music.” He also

continued to play in his beloved Monday Night Gamba Group with his friends right up until social distancing practices were brought in. If not for this, Hans would have undoubtedly played until his last breath. Hans is survived by his wife of 69 years, Irene Simo-Piltz, his daughter Heidi (Kelly), his son Dieter (Ginger), his grandson Fred (Lily) and great-grandson Luke, as well as his sister’s children, Pete (Marion) and Karin. He was predeceased by his father, Ernst Paul Johannes Piltz, his mother, Thekla Kachold (Piltz) and sister Lieselotte (Walter). Our family would like to thank the many fellow musicians, friends and colleagues of Hans’ for their kind words and amazing memories they’ve shared of Hans during this difficult time. A celebration of his life will be planned once times are safer for gathering. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that you support our local music community by attending concerts once it’s safe to do so again.

We miss you so much already, Hans. You may be gone, but your love and music will never be forgotten.

The author welcomes readers to share their remembrances, stories, or any inquiries with her at gsedlarova@gmail.com.

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 36, No. 2, Fall 2020