Sir Andrew Davis, beloved Conductor Laureate of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, has died at age 80. His agent confirmed his death by leukemia to news sources.
As a conductor, he worked with leading symphonies and opera companies throughout Europe, the UK and North America, and was noted for his wit and humour on stage as well as his artistic vision.
Sir Andrew in Toronto
Sir Andrew Davis had a special relationship with Toronto and its music lovers.
The Conductor Laureate served as Principal Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1975 until 1988, and then Interim Artistic Director from 2018 until 2020, when Gustavo Gimeno was chosen for the role.
His personal warmth, combined with artistic excellence, made him enormously popular during this time in Toronto.
On his 75th birthday, the TSO and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir surprised Maestro Davis by launching into a rendition of Happy Birthday at the opening of a concert.
Davis last conducted a TSO concert in November 2023.
An enviable career
Born in Hertfordshire, England, Davis studied at the Royal College of Music and King’s College, Cambridge as an organ scholar. He went on to study conducting in Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Rome.
His tenure in Toronto was one of several notable appointments, including:
- Music director and principal conductor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago from 2000 to the 2020/21 season;
- Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra from January 2013 until December 2019;
- Conductor laureate and chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1991–2004;
- Music director of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera from 1988 to 2000.
Until recently, he maintained a schedule of regular performances with the Melbourne and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, the BBC Symphony and BBC Philharmonic.
He has conducted the world’s leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, and Bayreuth Festival, among others.
He leaves an extensive and award-winning discography, including recent releases of the works of Berlioz, Elgar, Grainger, Delius, and others.
May the Maestro rest in peace.
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