Leading conductor Sir Charles Mackerras - a former director of the Welsh National Opera – has died, it was announced today.
He was the first non-Briton to conduct the Last Night of the Proms.
The 84-year-old Australian, who died from cancer, was due to conduct two of the Proms in this summer’s season, which begins tomorrow.
Roger Wright, director of the BBC Proms and Radio 3 controller was among those who paid tribute today.
He said: “Sir Charles was a great conductor and his loss will be deeply felt by musicians and audiences alike. The range and quality of his work was extraordinary.
“He was due to conduct two Proms this summer and it is sad to think of a Proms season without his remarkable musicianship, good humour and charm.”
Sir Charles, who lived in London after settling in the UK, was born in New York to Australian parents.
He was raised in Australia and studied music at the New South Wales Conservatorium, continuing his studies in Prague.
During his early career he held the positions of musical director at Sadler’s Wells in London and principal conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Sir Charles, an expert interpreter of the work of Czech composer Janacek, had also been the chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony and led the orchestra at the opening performance in the Sydney Opera House in front of the Queen in 1973.
Other roles included director of the Welsh National Opera, and he was honorary president of the Edinburgh International Festival Society.
Wright said a Prom would be dedicated to him during the season.
Agent Robert Rattray also paid tribute to Sir Charles today. He told the BBC: “He had an extraordinary ability to encourage orchestras to share his vast knowledge and enthusiasm.”
