Charles Mackerras |

Charles Mackerras

He started out as an oboist at the Sydney Opera House. Since 1948 he has been a conductor (in 1970-77 he was the chief conductor of the Sandler’s Wells Theatre). In 1963 he made his debut at Covent Garden (Katerina Izmailova). Since 1972 he has performed at the Metropolitan Opera (debut in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Eurydice). Note the performances of Falstaff at the Glyndebourne Festival in 1990. In 1991 he performed Don Giovanni in Prague. From 1986-92 he was Principal Conductor of the Welsh National Opera. Since 1996 conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Makkeras is an adherent of the “authentic” style of performance. He is a promoter of Czech music and Janáček’s work. The first performer on the English stage of the opera “Katya Kabanova” (1951). recorded this work, as well as the operas “Jenufa”, “From the Dead House”, “Fate”, “The Makropulos Remedy” and others at the Decca company. Staged Martin’s opera Juliette (1978) in London. Of the entries, we also note the “Marriage of Figaro” (Telarc).

E. Tsodokov