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Legendary Musician Donald Hazelwood Dies at 95: A Remarkable Career Remembered

BBG News

Beloved Australian classical musician Donald Hazelwood has died at the age of 95.

This week, tributes poured in following the passing of a long-serving concertmaster at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The sad news was announced recently.

On Monday, the orchestra paid a touching homage to Donald on Instagram, acknowledging him as one of Australia’s most esteemed and widely recognized musicians.

We at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra deeply mourn the passing of our ex-Concertmaster, Donald Leslie Grant Hazelwood AO OBE, who sadly died on March 8th, 2025.

For nearly four decades, Don, a remarkable musician, coworker, and friend, graced the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as its Concertmaster from 1965 to 1998. This extraordinary, 33-year tenure has cemented his status among Australia’s most celebrated and respected musical figures.

Moving forward, the article brought up memories of the musician’s extensive and illustrious past, starting with his debut performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra all the way back in 1952.

1965 saw him being named as a joint concertmaster, partnering with Robert Miller. Following Miller’s retirement in 1967, he became the sole concertmaster. This fact was further highlighted in the tribute.

From 1987 to 1997, he had this position by himself. However, when Dene Olding joined in 1987, they both took on the role together until Don retired in 1997.

The post was rounded out by offering heartfelt condolences to Don’s family.

Our heartfelt sympathies are with the Hazelwood family, and particularly to our cherished colleague and friend Jane, who was a valued and adored member of our orchestra’s viola section from 1995 until her passing in 2024.

The post drew sympathies from friends and admirers, encapsulated by one who said: ‘What a magnificent person and skillful musician… deeply regretted.’

After his retirement, the Sydney Morning Herald honored the cherished musician by acknowledging that he had made a lasting impact on the cultural terrain.

…’Fred Blanks, a music critic, noted that a particular musician stands out due to their exceptional musical skills, tactful diplomacy, and humble personality, making a profound impact on Sydney’s music scene over the past four decades.’

Similarly, the SSO chief conductor at the time Edo de Waart praised Don as an ‘icon.’

Edo penned down that Don Hazelwood, a legendary figure at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, is approaching retirement, signifying the close of a significant chapter in their history.

He’s a top-notch musician, admired by all his peers as well as the maestros fortunate enough to collaborate with him.

On its website, the Symphony Orchestra (SSO) further honored Don by stating that he led them through some of their most significant triumphs and challenges.

In this position, Don skillfully navigated the orchestra through both successes (such as the inauguration of the Sydney Opera House in 1973, along with many international tours) and adversity, particularly the passing of Chief Conductor Stuart Challender in 1991. This was the sentiment expressed in the tribute.

In his dealings with fellow workers, conductors, and visiting artists, Donald consistently displayed a courteous and refined manner. Over the years, he skillfully fostered numerous constructive and respectful connections with countless individuals.

Born in Urana, located within the NSW Riverina region, Don shares his name with the legendary Australian cricketer, Don Bradman.

Following exceptional skill displayed on the violin, an instrument he started playing at the tender age of 4, Don received a partially funded education at Albury Grammar School, allowing him to refine and enhance his musical abilities even more.

Besides his tenure with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Don has also spent numerous years performing with groups such as The Austral Quartet, the Australian Trio, and the Hazelwood Trio.

Apart from that, he was a strong advocate for music education initiatives. In fact, him and his wife Anne often volunteered as instructors at various SSO national music camps across the nation.

For two decades and three years, Don served as the head of the Sydney Symphony Charitable Trust, an institution founded in 1947 to provide retirement funds and financial aid.

The main source of funds was an annual charity concert that Don organized every year, along with participating in all but two concerts, between the years 1952 and 1995. In simpler terms, Don organized a yearly charity event called a concert, and he played in almost all of these events from 1952 to 1995, except for two. This was their primary method of raising funds.

Don’s services to music were recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976.

He was also made an Officer of the Order Of Australia (AO) in 1988. 

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2025-03-11 03:52

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