Sir (Alan) Charles Mackerras AC CBE (1925-2010) was chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 1985. Born in the United States to Australian parents, he studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and the Prague Academy of Music, commencing his conducting career at Sadler's Wells Opera in London in 1948. Later this company became the English National Opera, of which Mackerras was musical director from 1970 to 1977. He was also musical director of Welsh National Opera, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. A specialist in the Czech repertoire, Mackerras wrote and lectured on orchestration and eighteenth century musical performance and was awarded many honorary doctorates.
