Charles MacKerras

About

Conductor known for his longtime work with the English National Opera and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Before Fame

He studied violin, flute, oboe, and piano as a child.

Trivia

He served as the President of Trinity College of Music toward the end of his life and was a recognized authority on Janáček and Mozart's operas, as well as Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas.

Family Life

He married Judy Wilkins in 1947. The couple had two daughters, Fiona and Catherine.

Associated With

He conducted in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the Sydney Opera House in 1973.