Sir Andrew Davis was chief conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra from 2013 to 2019 and conductor laureate from 2020 to 2024. Photo courtesy of Melbourne Symphony/Lucas Dawson.
In Monday’s (4/22) Guardian (U.K.), Barry Millington writes, “One of the most beloved and highly esteemed conductors of his generation, Sir Andrew Davis,” who died aged 80 of leukemia on April 20 in Chicago, “was a familiar presence on the podium, not least through his countless appearances at the BBC Proms in his capacity as chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (1989-2000)…. During the same period he was also music director of Glyndebourne Opera … Not only was he acclaimed as an empathetic interpreter of British music from Elgar and Vaughan Williams to Holst and Bliss, but he also had the ability to assimilate contemporary scores … He was born in Ashridge, Hertfordshire … He won an organ scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge … He then studied conducting at the Accademia di S Cecilia, Rome … and in London … In 1970 he made his debut with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and was appointed assistant conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. He became principal guest conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (1974–77) and music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (1975–88) … Then came the posts at the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Glyndebourne…. On his retirement from the BBC in 2000 he moved to the U.S. with [his wife, soprano Gianni] Rolandi and their son, Edward, to take up the appointment of music director, until 2021, of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where he conducted nearly 700 performances. From 2012 to 2019, he also held the post of chief conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, becoming conductor laureate … Davis is survived by son Edward.”
