BRITISH CONDUCTOR SIR ANDREW DAVIS DIES AGED 80

Sir Andrew Davis has died, aged 80, his agent has confirmed after reportedly battling with leukemia.

The much-loved British conductor throughout his life 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.'

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.

More follows.

2024-04-21T12:10:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd