It is with great sadness that the Chorus learned of the death of the distinguished conductor, and the Chorus’s President, Sir Charles Mackerras. The Chorus sang under his baton many times, most notably a Messiah in Orange, and the Chorus' first appearance at La Scala Milan with Handel's Judas Maccabeus. In recent years there were performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and Mozart’s Requiem with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and in a memorable semi-staged performance of Weber’s Der Freischütz with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Edinburgh International Festival. Chorus members would look forward to his engagements with keen anticipation, for they knew to expect a warm personality as well as wonderful music making. He was a galvanizing presence on the British and world musical scene, and the Chorus was immensely proud to have him as its President. He regarded the position as not merely honorary, but actively promoted the interests of the Chorus at every opportunity. We will always be grateful to him.