Australian Youth Orchestra
Vale Donald Hazelwood AO OBE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Hazelwood AO OBE, a highly respected figure in Australian music and a cherished member of the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) community.
Donald’s influence on AYO spanned many years, most notably as Director of the National Music Camp in 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1996. His leadership and dedication, both as Director and tutor, shaped the experiences of generations of young musicians, leaving a lasting impact on our community. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Donald was honoured as a Life Member of AYO.
Reflecting on Donald’s influence, AYO Board Director and Associate Principal 2nd Violin of the ASO, Lachlan Bramble, shared:
“I remember having Don Hazelwood as a tutor, guiding the first violins of AYO through the chromatic wilderness of Tristan and Isolde in 2005. A few years later, he was brought into ASO as a guest concertmaster. What a difference he made! Always dressed in a suit and tie, we called him ‘The Don’ with great reverence. The Don was such a great model of integrity, diplomacy and the use of soft power, always in service of the music. He brought out the best in those around him. Today, I am especially proud of AYO’s shared history with Don Hazelwood and thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him.”
Known for his towering presence in Australian orchestral life, Donald’s career began in 1952 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, where he played under inaugural Chief Conductor Eugene Goossens. He served as their Concertmaster from 1965 until his retirement in 1998. Donald’s legacy was further enriched by his daughter, Jane, who joined the Sydney Symphony’s Viola section in 1995 and retired at the end of the 2024 season. Jane has continued her father’s legacy as a tutor, audition panel member, and teacher of AYO students.
AYO horn alumnus, council member, and benefactor Patrick Brislan fondly reminisced:
“During my five years as a member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, I saw Don’s rise from the first violin section in 1957 to his later appointment as co-concertmaster alongside Robert Miller. When Bob retired, Don became Concertmaster, serving with great distinction—most notably during the SSO’s first overseas tour in 1965.
As periodic staff members at AYO National Music Camps, Don and I, along with others, gave some memorable performances. One that stays in my mind occurred at Geelong Grammar in 1960, where we played a comic version of Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel. Don handled the difficult violin part with both skill and comic aplomb.
Such a level of skill, combined with his outstanding musical accomplishments, including those as a chamber musician, means that Don Hazelwood has a specially reserved place in the SSO’s ‘Hall of Fame’.”
Throughout his career, Donald was recognised for his outstanding service to music, being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976 and an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1988. In 1997, he was awarded the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award for his exceptional contributions to music in Australia.
Our deepest condolences go to Donald’s family, especially his daughter Jane, a beloved AYO alumna and tutor. Donald Hazelwood’s legacy as a musician, educator, and mentor will continue to inspire and shape the AYO community for generations.