Daniel Harding is not your average conductor. While most conductors spend their time leading orchestras and conducting performances, Harding has a unique side gig – he moonlights as a pilot for Air France.
Harding, who is the music director of the Orchestre de Paris and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, has been a licensed pilot for over a decade. He first obtained his pilot’s license in 2007 and has been flying for Air France ever since. In fact, he often jokes that he is the only person he knows who has flown both a Boeing 737 and a Mahler symphony.
Harding’s love for flying began at a young age. He grew up in a family of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and he spent much of his childhood around airplanes. He was always fascinated by the physics and mechanics of flight, and he knew from a young age that he wanted to become a pilot.
While conducting orchestras is Harding’s main passion and career, flying is a close second. He often describes it as a form of meditation, a way to escape the stresses and pressures of the music world. For Harding, flying is a way to clear his mind and focus on something completely different.
In addition to being a pilot for Air France, Harding is also a licensed flight instructor. He enjoys teaching others how to fly and sharing his passion for aviation with students. He believes that flying is an art form in itself, much like conducting, and he loves being able to combine his two passions.
Harding’s dual careers as a conductor and pilot have garnered him a lot of attention and admiration from fans and colleagues alike. Many people are amazed by his ability to juggle two demanding and prestigious careers, and they admire his dedication and passion for both music and aviation.
While some may see Harding’s pilot career as a hobby or a quirky side gig, he takes it very seriously. He undergoes regular training and certification to ensure that he is a safe and competent pilot, and he always puts the safety of his passengers and crew first.
Overall, Daniel Harding is a truly remarkable individual who has successfully combined his love for music and flying into a unique and fulfilling career. Whether he is conducting a symphony or piloting a plane, Harding’s passion and talent shine through in everything he does.
