World-renowned conductor, Sir Andrew Davis, has tragically passed away at 80 after a battle with leukaemia. This was confirmed today by his representative.
Sir Andrew was a towering figure in the world of classical music and was notably one of the longest-serving chief conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His suffering from leukaemia was disclosed by his agent, Jonathan Brill, through the PA news agency.
His health sharply declined after he celebrated his milestone 80th birthday on February 2. During his time, Sir Andrew presided over various prestigious roles including principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra between 1975-88; being the chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1989-2000; serving as Glyndebourne Festival Opera music director between 1988-2000, and garnered the honour of Conductor Emeritus bestowed upon him by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The news of Sir Andrew’s passing led to an outpouring of grief and was marked by The Royal Opera House who stated: “We are saddened to hear of the death of conductor Sir Andrew Davis.”
They highlighted his impressive five-decade-long career by adding, “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.”, reports the Mirror.
The contributions of Sir Andrew were further celebrated: “He made his Royal Opera debut in 1983 conducting Der Rosenkavalier and last conducted Capriccio (in concert) in 2013.”
In their heartfelt tribute, they added: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Julian Lloyd Webber, the brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, contributed a tribute on Twitter, remarking: “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.”
Sakari Oramo, the current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, remembered: “Remembering with greatest respect and admiration everything Sir Andrew Davis did for music, and particularly for dear BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus over many decades.”
Born in Hertfordshire in 1944, Sir Andrew began his musical journey as an organ scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, leading him down the path of conducting.
In 1992, he received recognition as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), and was bestowed with a knighthood in the New Year Honours List in 1999.
Upon retiring from the BBC in 2000, Sir Andrew relocated to America with his wife, taking on the role of music director with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He continued to reside in America until his passing, which occurred in Chicago.