Peter Brinckmann, 1951-2003

Peter Brinckmann, chairman of the Bagpipe Association of Germany, (BAG) has died after a short and severe illness February 3, 2003. He was 51.

Peter was one of Germany’s pioneers in piping and must have been one the of most active and enthusiastic pipers around the world. Co-founder of the BAG in the late 1980s, and chairman for nearly 15 years, he was the first to investigate piping schools in Germany. His first efforts in 1982 went on to become the biggest annual summer school worldwide. Outgrowing its space in recent years, the BAG Summer School at Breuberg Castle will expand to a larger location. It is sad that Peter was not able to live to see this success.

A pupil of the College of Piping in the ’80s, Peter perceived piping trends and transferred them to Germany. He saw the success of schools and contests in North America, and pursued them in Germany. He developed the concept of a Knock-Out Competition, and was runner-up on two occasions. He also initiated the annual BAG Competition, and, in addition to his teaching at the summer school, here he made his name as a piping judge.

A player of note, Peter competed at amateur events at the highest level. In 1988 he won the Highland Club Piobaireachd at London, as well as the Piobaireachd event of the Copenhagen Winter Competitions for the second time.

Versatile in his talents, strong in his opinions, Peter was more a man to organize than to delegate. His creative character found various ways of expressing himself. Apart from music his activities included numerous forms of art, literature and drama. His melodious pipe tunes and prolific publications will continue to speak for that.

Peter is survived by his mother, Ernestine, and his brothers. He leaves his wife, Karola, who took loving care of him and his interests, and his two children, Anna and Max.

On behalf of pipers and drummers who knew and respected him, we extend our condolences to Peter’s family and friends around the world.

– Submitted by Martin Kessler

p|d