Welcome to the Mackerras Legacy web site, about one of the greatest orchestral and operatic conductors in musical history, Sir Charles Mackerras.
14 July 2020 marks ten years since Sir Charles Mackerras died.
To honour and remember his life we present four unpublished audio features: an interview conducted in 2010 by Ambrose Hall on the art and technique of conducting; reflections on Charles’ early life from his sister, Joan; an interview with Sir Charles created and edited by distinguished producer Jon Tolansky for MackerrasLegacy.com; and a series of three interviews by Jon Tolansky with great musicians Valerie Masterson, David Corkhill and Thomas Higgins about their recollections of working with Charles Mackerras.
This site is designed to present special features and projects commemorating his life and music:
- Charles Mackerras interview recorded on 4 February 2010 with Ambrose Hall.
- Joan Mackerras, sister, reflects on Charles’ early life.
- Charles Mackerras interview recorded in 2004 with Jon Tolansky.
- Great musicians interview series recorded in 2016 with Jon Tolansky.
- The documentary: Charles Mackerras, Master Conductor – A profile, by Jon Tolansky.
- Master Conductor documentary Background, contributors and production.
Charles Mackerras Interview with Jon Tolansky
A special interview recorded in 2004.
Produced for MackerrasLegacy.com, Jon Tolansky asks Sir Charles about his life and work. We would like to thank Jon for his wonderful contribution.
JON TOLANSKY INTERVIEWCharles Mackerras Interview with Ambrose Hall
A special interview on conducting technique, never before published.
Recorded on 4 February 2010 by Ambrose Hall shortly before Sir Charles’ passing on 14 July 2010. This interview focuses on conducting style and technique. In the interview, Ambrose Hall and Sir Charles discuss how he studies and prepares for rehearsals and performances, his favourite conductors, working with Benjamin Britten and many other topics.
AMBROSE HALL INTERVIEW
Joan Mackerras Reflects
Sister of Charles reflects on his early life
Stories about the oboe, harmony lessons, inception of an idea called Pineapple Poll, transcribing music, Charles’ education and early career.
JOAN MACKERRAS REFLECTS
Jon Tolansky Interviews Great Musicians
A series of interviews with great musicians about Sir Charles Mackerras.
Produced for MackerrasLegacy.com, Jon Tolansky asks Valerie Masterson, David Corkhill and Thomas Higgins about their recollections of working with Sir Charles Mackerras.
JON TOLANSKY INTERVIEWS
Charles Mackerras, Master Conductor – A Profile
Radio documentary produced by Jon Tolansky
This feature presentation complements the 2016 radio documentary produced by Jon Tolansky, “Charles Mackerras, Master Conductor – A Profile“, which was distributed by the WFMT Radio Network – Chicago and syndicated around the world. Celebrating Sir Charles’ life, career and exceptionally wide-ranging achievements, the documentary includes 28 musical excerpts and interviews with numerous musicians who worked with him. Here we publish the transcript and audio interviews.
| INTRODUCTION | Background, overview, contributors, production. |
| DOCUMENTARY | Complete script with interview clips and resources. |
Documentary proudly funded by the
Buonacorsi Foundation.
Distributed by the
WFMT Radio Network, Chicago.
The Mackerras Legacy
A fantastic and comprehensive legacy of recordings – and two living conductors.
Two conductors in the next generation to which Charles passes the baton are Drostan Hall, Music Director of the Camerata Chicago Chamber Orchestra and Alex Briger AO, Conductor, Australian World Orchestra.
PASSING THE BATONRECENT POSTS
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