DR DIRK EBELING (1942–2026)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Dirk Ebeling, who passed away peacefully at his home in Castelnau-Montratier on 11 June 2026, aged 84.

Dirk was born in Munich on 8 March 1942. Music was woven into the fabric of his life from an early age through his father, a distinguished German clarinettist and conductor whose career was closely associated with some of Germany's most celebrated musical institutions, including Bayreuth. Through him, Dirk developed a lifelong love of classical music that would remain one of the defining passions of his life.

Professionally, Dirk pursued a distinguished career in medicine. A physician specialising in diseases of the lung, he devoted his career to the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illness. His expertise and leadership led him to become the director of a specialist hospital dedicated to pulmonary medicine, where he earned the respect of colleagues and patients alike through his knowledge, commitment and compassion.

In later years, Dirk divided his time between Munich and Quercy, where he found a second home at Château Poujoula. It was here that he made an enduring contribution to the cultural life of the region. Driven by his love of classical music and his gift for bringing people together, he created and nurtured a concert season that became one of the highlights of the local cultural calendar.

Under Dirk's stewardship, the concerts at Poujoula grew steadily in reputation, attracting artists of increasing distinction and delighting audiences from near and far. His vision, enthusiasm and uncompromising commitment to artistic excellence transformed what began as an intimate musical gathering into a remarkable annual celebration of classical music.

Even after receiving his diagnosis, Dirk's foremost concern was not for himself but for the future of the concerts he loved. His final wish was simple and unequivocal: that the music should continue, whatever happened to him.

Everybody will remember his generosity, his warmth, his flair for showmanship, and his unwavering passion for music. These qualities shaped not only the concerts he created but also the friendships he fostered and the community he enriched.

Those who knew Dirk will remember not only his love of music but also the warmth with which he welcomed people into his home. He had a real ability to make everyone feel at ease, regardless of background, age or circumstance. Open-minded, tolerant and endlessly curious about others, he delighted in good company and lively conversation. He took particular joy in the presence of children, whose laughter brought him immense happiness. At Poujoula, guests were never merely visitors; they became part of the extended family of friends that Dirk gathered around him over the years.

Although no longer physically present, Dirk will remain with us in spirit, above all in his own special seat at Poujoula. As the concerts continue to develop in the years ahead, they will stand as a lasting tribute to his vision, his determination and his love of music.

He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, the musicians whose lives he touched, and the many members of the Castelnau Montratier community who had the privilege of knowing him.

In accordance with Dirk's wishes, a private cremation service will take place in the coming days. He valued his privacy and asked that there be no public ceremony.

Throughout this season, a book of condolence will be available at every concert. Friends, audience members and musicians are invited to leave a personal message to Dirk, share a memory, or simply express what his friendship, hospitality and love of music meant to them.

In many ways, this season's concerts will themselves be a memorial to Dirk. Each performance will reflect the vision, generosity and passion that he brought to Poujoula, and each gathering of musicians and audiences will stand as a tribute to the man whose dedication made them possible. Through the music he loved so deeply, his presence will continue to be felt for many years to come.