The honorary conductor of one of Scotland's national orchestras
is the first recipient of a new artistic prize instigated by the
Queen.
The first Queen's Medal for Music is being awarded to Sir Charles
Mackerras, conductor laureate of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, for
his "major influence on the musical life of the nation".
Last night, Sir Charles said receiving the medal was "wonderful news" and thanked the Queen and her official master of music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, chairman of the committee which oversees the new award.
Sir Peter — who lives in Orkney — said Sir Charles was "one of the most highly respected and greatly loved musicians of our time".
Sir Charles is 80 later this year, but Sir Peter said the conductor has the energy and commitment to music of someone half his age.
"Musical life in this country has benefited immeasurably from his presence among us, and will continue to do so, " he said. "It is very fitting indeed that he should be the first recipient of The Queen's Medal for Music."
It is not Sir Charles's first high honour — he became a CBE in 1974, was knighted in 1979, was honoured with the Medal of Merit from the Czech Republic in 1996 and made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1997. He became a Companion of Honour in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Sir Charles was born in New York to Australian parents, and moved with them to Sydney at an early age. He studied at the conservatory there and eventually became principal oboist of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He settled in England in 1946.
The Queen will present the silver medal to Sir Charles during a private audience on or around November 22, St. Cecilia's Day — St. Cecilia being the patron saint of music.
Sir Charles has a long and fruitful relationship with
the SCO, and will be conducting it atthe Edinburgh International Festival this
summer. He was made conductor laureate after being their principal guest
conductor from 1992 to 1995.
