It is with great sadness that we bring to the attention of the AUSTA community the passing of our Patron Donald Hazelwood OBE, AO on March 8 2025, a week after Don celebrated his 95th birthday with his family.

Donald Hazelwood was one of Australia’s most influential musical leaders who touched the hearts and souls of generations of musicians in this country and beyond. As a concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony for more than three decades, Donald Hazelwood lived a commitment to music and music making that consistently inspired fellow musicians, teachers, generations of audiences and many of the greatest visiting international conductors and artists to this country. His exemplary professionalism and artistry served as a beacon of cultural aspirations in Australia and beyond.

Hazelwood shared his vision for music and humanity through his natural leadership in many of the organisations he served, including AUSTA and the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Music Camp Organisation. A consummate leader, he exemplified qualities that are frequently talked about but rarely lived with his particular attention and discipline: a commitment to universal humanity, compassion and social harmony.

Born in 1930 in rural NSW, Hazelwood’s life reflects challenges and achievements that will continue to occupy historical and cultural interpreters. Helen Hazelwood has documented some of these in her iconic biography “From Farmer to Fiddler” and her work shows why they remain essential and significant to our times.

AUSTA extends its sympathy in particular to Donald Hazelwood’s immediate family – Helen, Roy, Jane and Don’s many grand-children. A more detailed acknowledgement of Donald Hazelwood’s life and significance will follow this notice in due course in Stringendo.