Sir Andrew Davis has died, aged 80, his agent has confirmed after reportedly battling with leukemia.
The much-loved British conductor held the honour of being the chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and musical director of Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
Known for his full beard and bow tie, Sir Andrew led the Last Night of the Proms on a number of occasions while he held the prime BBC post in the 90s.
Sir Andrew was conducting the proms in 1997 just two weeks after the death of Princess Diana, as well as Mother Teresa and Hungarian-British conductor Sir Georg Solti.
Recalling the solemn occasion, he said: 'I spoke of the remarkable legacy each had left, and of our gratitude. Many people wrote to say that I had helped them come to terms with the tragedy of Diana’s death.'
The much-loved British conductor held the honour of being the chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra
The conductor was reportedly diagnosed with leukemia last year
Tributes have been flooding in since the news of Sir Davis's passing broke
Sir Andrew was conducting the proms in 1997 just two weeks after the death of Princess Diana, as well as Mother Teresa and Hungarian-British conductor Sir Georg Solti
Tributes have flooded in today following the announcement of the beloved conductor's death.
Fellow conductor Michael Seal said: 'RIP Sir Andrew Davis - I never had the fortune to meet him in person but did spend a lovely couple of hours interviewing him for my podcast.
'A lovelier person you couldn’t wish to meet, humble & warm. He’ll be sorely missed - a great conductor & musician as well as a lovely human.'
British cellist and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, said: '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.'
Paying tribute to the conductor, the Royal Opera House wrote on X: '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 BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus and Glyndebourne.
Tributes have flooded in today following the announcement of the beloved conductor's death. Pictured at the Last Night of the Proms 1999
After retiring from the BBC in 2000, Sir Andrew moved to the United States to live in Chicago with his third wife. Pictured: Sir Andrew in 2000
Sir Andrew was chief conduct at the BBC Symphony Orchestra between 1989 and 2000. Pictured: Sir Andrew's final night in his role after an 11-year-tenure
'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.'
The current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo, thanked Sir Davis for 'everything he did for music'.
She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Remembering with greatest respect and admiration everything Sir Andrew Davis did for music, and particularly for dear BBC Symphony Orchestra over many decades.
'Always with distinction and kindness.'
Angela Hewitt, the artistic director of Trasimeno Music Festival, said: 'Oh, Sir Andrew Davis has died. How sad. A wonderful musician, longtime Music Director of; did so much for music in Canada & everywhere.
'We last played together in February '23 in Manchester. He was not well, but when he conducted it was full of life & precision.
'I said we must perform together again soon. His reply: "Sooner rather than later".
Sir Andrew Davis has died, aged 80, his agent has confirmed after reportedly battling with leukemia
'He conducted me when I won 1st Prize in Toronto Bach Competition, May 11/85. Never to be forgotten. Here he is kissing my hand backstage after Bach G- Concerto (blurry screen grab). RIP, Sir Andrew.'
Composer Thomas Hyde wrote: 'Sir Andrew Davis (2 February 1944 - 20 April 2024) RIP.
'An absolute giant & important supporter of so much British contemporary music. His period at the BBC Symphony Orchestra was full of good things.'
Sir Andrew was born in Hertfordshire on February 2, 1994 being the eldest of four children.
His father Robert had sung in the local church while his mother Florence had played piano as a child, however, Sir Andrew described his family as 'not especially musical'.
After retiring from the BBC in 2000, Sir Andrew moved to the United States to live in Chicago with his third wife.
According to classical music website, Slipped Disk, Sir Andrew was diagnosed with cancer last year, with his leukemia turning acute two months ago. He died in Chicago yesterday.
