The MackerrasLegacy.com site is designed to present special features and projects commemorating Sir Charles life and music.
14 July 2020 marks ten years since Sir Charles Mackerras died.
To honour and remember his life we present three unpublished audio features: an interview conducted in 2010 by Ambrose Hall on the technique of conducting; reflections on Charles’ early life from his sister, Joan; and an interview with Sir Charles created and edited by distinguished producer Jon Tolansky for MackerrasLegacy.com.
Features:
- 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 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, producer Ambrose Hall and Sir Charles discuss how he studies and prepares for rehearsals and performances, how he interacts with musicians, his favourite conductors, working with Benjamin Britten, conducting opera, beating time and many other topics.
AMBROSE HALL INTERVIEW
Joan Mackerras Reflects
Sister of Charles reflects on his early life
Stories about the oboe, Charles’ education and early career.
JOAN MACKERRAS REFLECTS
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 INTERVIEW
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. Further material which supplements the documentary, such as full interviews and recordings will be presented here in future.
INTRODUCTION | Background, overview, contributors, production. |
DOCUMENTARY | Complete script with interview clips and resources. |
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 BATON