Sir Andrew Davis has died aged 80 after a battle with leukaemia.
The star was one of the longest-serving chief conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Despite managing his illness for approximately two years, his condition worsened after celebrating his 80th birthday on February 2.
His representative Jonathan Brill confirmed his passing to PA news agency and tributes have flooded social media following the sad announcement.
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Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, paid tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter, 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.”
(Image: Redferns)
The Royal Opera House posted a message saying: “We are saddened to hear of the death of conductor Sir Andrew Davis. 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.” He made his Royal Opera debut in 1983 conducting Der Rosenkavalier and last conducted Capriccio (in concert) in 2013. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo, 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.” With an lengthy career, Sir Andrew held prestigious roles including principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1975 until 1988; chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1989 until 2000; Glyndebourne Festival Opera music director from 1988 until 2000 and was also honoured with the title of Conductor Emeritus by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
He 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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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
