Willy Hess 1906 – 1997

Biography

Willy Hess was a Swiss musician born on October 12, 1906, in Winterthur, Switzerland. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his hometown, where he would spend nearly a century contributing to its cultural landscape through his musical work and dedication to the arts.

As a performer and musician, Hess was part of Switzerland’s rich musical tradition during the twentieth century. His career spanned decades of profound change in both European culture and musical practice, allowing him to witness and participate in the evolution of Swiss musical life across multiple generations.

Hess lived a long and full life, remaining in Winterthur until his death on May 9, 1997, at the age of ninety. His commitment to his craft and his community left an enduring mark on those who knew him and appreciated his contributions to music. He was laid to rest at Rosenberg cemetery in Winterthur, where his memory continues to be honored among the community he served throughout his remarkable lifetime.