Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras dies at 84

[July 16, 2010]  LONDON (AP) -- The symphony and opera conductor Sir Charles Mackerras has died of cancer at age 84.

The death was announced Thursday by his management firm, Askonas Holt. The company said Mackerras died Wednesday night in London.

Mackerras grew up and studied music in Australia.

In Britain, he worked at Sadler's Wells in London, was principal conductor of Welsh National Opera and principal conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra. At various times he also held conducting posts in Germany, Australia, the Czech Republic, the United States, Austria and France. And he made numerous highly regarded recordings.

In 1973, he led the opening performance at the Sydney Opera House.

[Associated Press]

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