Bavarian Bass-Baritone Hans Gunter Nöcker has passed away on March 20, 2019, according to the Suddeutsche Zeitung.

Born in Hagen, Germany on January 22, 1927, Nöcker began his studies in Braunschweig, before going on to Munich. Here he would spend several decades with the Bavarian State Opera, appearing in leading roles in such works as “Tosca,” “Parisfal,” Lohengrin,” “Elektra,” “Fidelio,” and “Gotterdamerung.” Nöcker is also noted for his dedication to ensemble roles, in such works as “Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg,” and “Werther.”

Throughout his career, Nöcker also made guest performances with Deutsche Oper Berlin, Cologne Opera, the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Frankfurt Opera, and the Hamburg State Opera. One of his most memorable roles was that of Gloster in the 1978 world premiere of Aribert Reimann’s “Lear.”