Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras dies at 84

He was principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra from 1997 to 2003.

Following his studies in Prague, Mackerras was associated with Sadler’s Wells Opera _ later English National Opera _ where he conducted the first British performance of Janacek’s “Kata Kabanova” and world premieres of Lennox Berkeley’s “Ruth” and Benjamin Britten’s “Noye’s Fludde.”

He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1972 leading Gluck’s “Orfeo et Euridice,” and the following year he conducted the opening performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Mackerras was first conductor at the Hamburg State Opera from 1966 to 1969, and chief conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 1985.

He was music director of Welsh National Opera (1987-92), principal guest conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (1992-95), music director of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York (1998-2001), principal guest conductor of the Philharmonia (from 2004) and principal guest conductor of the Czech Philharmonic.

Mackerras was knighted in 1979 and made a Companion of Honor _ reserved for 65 living persons of distinction _ in 2003.

Mackerras is survived by his wife, Judith, and their two daughters.

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