In The News

Conductor Sir Colin Davis passes away

Conductor Sir Colin Davis passes away

THE conductor Sir Colin Davis, who had a long association with the London Symphony Orchestra, has passed away at the age of 85.

Sir Colin was recognised across the world for his interpretations of Mozart, Sibelius and Berlioz, as well as British composers, including Benjamin Britten.

He first conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in 1957 and was to return as its principal conductor between 1995 and 2006, before becoming its president the following year.

Over the years, Sir Colin also worked with the Royal Opera House (see below), the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra. He was also, at one point, principal conductor at Sadler’s Wells in London where he also became musical director.

He had been principal guest conductor with the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Sir Colin, who was Knighted in 1980, recorded a number of live performances with the LSO which went on to win awards. The recording of The Trojans by Berlioz won two Grammys and a Classical Brit Award in 2002, while the recording of Verdi’s Falstaff won a Grammy in 2006.

The LSO led tributes to Sir Colin. In a statement the LSO said: “Sir Colin was the longest serving principal conductor in the LSO’s history and has been at the head of the LSO family for many years. HIs musicianship and his humanity have been cherished by musicians and audiences alike.”

To view footage from a performance of The Magic Flute at the Royal Opera House with Sir Colin Davis conducting, click here.

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