Musicians
Australian excellence on the global stage: A Conversation with Hector McDonald
Dear Listeners,
As I spend this European summer revisiting and editing interviews that have been waiting for me, I’m reminded of just how much I enjoyed these conversations. It’s a true pleasure to return to these memories and share them with you.
Our latest podcast is a perfect example. In December 2018, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary Australian horn player Hector McDonald. In this episode of Tall Poppies: The Podcast, we explore Hector’s extraordinary career, from his beginnings with the RAAF Band to his time with the Berlin Philharmonic and Vienna Symphony Orchestra. Hector shares personal stories and insights from his journey, making this episode a must-listen for music lovers and anyone inspired by Australian excellence on the global stage.
“I’m very happy I came from Australia. I think it gives you a down-to-earth outlook. Living here in Vienna, you encounter many people who are quite privileged, having grown up in musical families and playing in string quartets since they were little. I envy them, but I wouldn’t trade my own start for anything.” Hector McDonald
I hope you’ll join me for this special conversation.
Wishing you all the best,
Breandáin
Hector McDonald (Keith Saunders Photography)
Here are some resources to complement the podcast featuring Hector McDonald:
Recordings featured in the podcast:
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Joseph Haydn Symphony No. 31 – Concentus Musicus, conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt TELDEC
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Hector McDonald Horn Concertos – Academy of Melbourne, conducted by Brett Kelly TP042 (Tall Poppies)
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Robert Schumann Symphonies and Konzertstück for 4 Horns – Wiener Symphoniker, conducted by Fabio Luisi (ORFEO C 717 102 H)
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Weber Hornconcertino – Wiener Akademie, conducted by Martin Haselböck
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Horn Trios with John Harding (violin), Hector McDonald (horn), and Ian Munro (piano) TP114 (Tall Poppies)
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