The music world is mourning the loss of British conductor Sir Andrew Davis, who has passed away at 80, his representative confirmed.
Sir Andrew, a revered figure in classical music and one of the longest-serving chief conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, had been battling leukaemia, as disclosed by his agent Jonathan Brill to the PA news agency.
Despite managing his illness for approximately 18 months to two years, his condition worsened after celebrating his 80th birthday on February 2.
With an illustrious career, Sir Andrew held prestigious roles including principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1975-88; chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1989-2000; Glyndebourne Festival Opera music director from 1988-2000, and was also honoured with the title of Conductor Emeritus by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Royal Opera House expressed its sorrow over Sir Andrew's passing, stating: "We are saddened to hear of the death of conductor Sir Andrew Davis." Highlighting his remarkable five-decade-long career, they added: "In a career spanning over 5 decades, he was the artistic leader of several of the world's most distinguished opera and symphonic institutions including @BBCSO and @glyndebourne."
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They further commemorated his contributions: "He made his Royal Opera debut in 1983 conducting Der Rosenkavalier and last conducted Capriccio (in concert) in 2013." Concluding their tribute, they shared: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, also paid tribute on Twitter (X), writing: "Sad to learn of the death of Sir Andrew Davis. A great musician who was wonderful with his soloists.I treasure the memory of a lovely Delius Concerto in 2012 with Philharmonia Orchestra. RIP."
The current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra paid tribute to Sir Andrew Davis today (Redferns)Sakari Oramo, the current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, added: "Remembering with greatest respect and admiration everything Sir Andrew Davis did for music, and particularly for dear BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus over many decades."
Born in 1944 in Hertfordshire, Sir Andrew's journey in music began as an organ scholar at King's College, Cambridge, which eventually led him to the path of conducting. In 1992, he was honoured as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), and in 1999, he received a knighthood in the New Year Honours List.
Sir Andrew retired from the BBC in 2000 and went on to move over to America with his wife, where he took up the role of music director with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The late conductor remained in America until his death and passed away in Chicago.
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