To two generations of British singers and orchestral players, he is known as Charlie. To his staunch audience, he is one of the great British conductors of his time, along with Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Colin Davis, although he is not as well known as either of them. On November 17th, Sir Charles Mackerras will turn 80. The occasion may begin to raise his profile, and not before time. Decca, EMI and Supraphon are releasing celebratory CDS, and the BBC is about to devote seven evenings to concerts of the work he likes and conducts best. Sir Simon is the only other conductor who has received the bbc's week-long accolade.
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