January 20, 2026
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Sydney mourns defining concertmaster

Sydney mourns defining concertmaster

The Australian violinist Donald Hazelwood died this weekend, a few days after turning 95.

He joined the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as a second violinist in 1952, rising to co-concertmaster in 1965 and leading the orchestra until his retirement in 1998.

Dene Olding writes: ‘Very sad today to hear of the passing of Donald Hazelwood AO OBE. He was a marvellous musician, an esteemed colleague and in his role as Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra he achieved much with a calm and dignified attitude coupled with a diplomatic and always professional approach. When I joined SSO as Concertmaster as a relatively young man, I had the great good fortune to share this role with Don Hazelwood. As the junior partner in this association, I admired him tremendously as an elder statesman and found much to try and emulate in his qualities as a Concertmaster. He defined the role brilliantly and his wise counsel benefited me on many occasions. He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on for a long time. I extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to all his family.’

photo: SSO

The post Sydney mourns defining concertmaster appeared first on Slippedisc.

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