Search - Shostakovich, Rpo, Mackerras :: Festive Overture & Symphony No 5

Sir Charles Mackerras was born in the US to Australian parents. He studied in Sydney and Prague, and made his debut in opera at Sadler's Wells. Early engagements include first conductor with the Hamburg State Opera, and from 1970-1977 he was music director of Sadler's Wells (later English National Opera). Sir Charles is a specialist in the Czech repertory, notably Janá¡cek, and he has recorded a cycle of operas with the Vienna Philharmonic. He has also undertaken a great deal of research of the 18th and 19th centuries, and has recorded many of Mozart's symphonies and serenades with the Prague Chamber Orchestra. As Principal Guest Conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, he recorded The Magic Flute, the first in a series of Mozart's operas, and conducted the SCO in a concert of Janá¡cek and Schubert.