Today (17 November 2025) marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Charles Mackerras, a much-loved figure among the SCO and its audiences.

Born on 17 November 1925 in New York State, of Australian parents, Sir Charles moved back to Sydney with his family when he was two. He quickly displayed a talent for music, becoming Principal Oboe in the ABC Sydney Orchestra aged 19. A move to Europe followed in 1947: initially in London, he then spent a year in Prague (kindling a lifelong love for Janáček, then little-known) before returning to Britain as Assistant Conductor at Sadler's Wells Theatre (now English National Opera).

Among his first important recordings was the release in 1959 of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, in its original scoring for wind band. His study of period performance techniques that same decade (long before the advent of historically informed performance) would lead to performances of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro in 1965 with period appropriate ornamentation.

Sir Charles held the position of Principal Guest Conductor with the SCO from 1992-95, later becoming its Conductor Laureate. Beloved by the Orchestra and its audiences alike, his concerts quickly became a highlight of the SCO calendar. Their performances of Mozart (the operas and piano concertos being particular highlights, the latter with Alfred Brendel) became especially renowned, and a critically-acclaimed set of the Beethoven symphonies, recorded live at the 2006 Edinburgh International Festival, has pride of place in many a music-lover's collection.

Sir Charles coined what is widely regarded as the signature sound of the SCO, with period brass and timpani alongside modern strings and wind. Fifteen years after his passing, this is (to Scottish audiences, at least) perhaps the most obvious part of his legacy, creating performances that are as fresh and vital as the man himself.

The Sir Charles Mackerras Circle

The SCO is indebted to Sir Charles for the gift in perpetuity of the royalty payments from all his recordings with the Orchestra, a transformative gift which has allowed the Orchestra to continue to flourish. In honour of his outstanding legacy, during the SCO’s 50th Anniversary season, the Sir Charles Mackerras Circle was established, to recognise others who chose to follow in his footsteps and leave a legacy gift to the Orchestra.