BBC Proms conductor Sir Andrew Davis dies at 80 as tributes pour in
The music world is mourning the loss of Davis, who has died at 80
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Sir Andrew Davis has died at the age of 80 following a battle with leukaemia, his agent confirmed on Sunday.
The world of music and fans of The Proms have flooded social media with tributes to one of the longest-serving chief conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Speaking to PA News Agency, Davis' representative confirmed he had died. Despite battling the illness for around 18 months to two years, his condition is reported to have worsened around his latest birthday on February 2.
The BBC reported how the representative talked about Davis having lived "a remarkable, rich, meaningful life" and that many would celebrate his career "for a long time".
The Royal Opera House shared a statement about the loss, writing: "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 @BBCSO and @glyndebourne."
The music world is mourning the loss of Davis, who has died at 80
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The post continued: "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."
Others have expressed their sorrow over the news, with musician and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, adding on X, formerly Twitter: "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."
The current chief conductor of the Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo, added: "Remembering with greatest respect and admiration everything Sir Andrew Davis did for music, and particularly for dear BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus over many decades."
Davis was one of the longest-serving chief conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra
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Many others also took to social media to share tributes to Davis, with another writing: "Oh, Sir Andrew Davis has died. How sad. A wonderful musician, longtime Music Director of @TorontoSymphony; 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."
"So very sad to hear Sir Andrew Davis has died. He was a very special conductor and a joy to work with - an opinion I know I share with all my @BBCSingers colleagues. My generation grew up with him conducting the Last night of @bbcproms. Here’s the year he sang the speech. Hero," another penned.
"May Sir Andrew Davis rest in peace. He was a tremendous influence on many, many of us he we developed a love of music. He was a highly visible face of classical music, not least through his direction of the BBCSO at the Proms. Thank you for everything, Sir Andrew," a third commented.
Another posted: "RIP Sir Andrew Davis. A maestro and a gentleman. Thank you for the music." (sic)
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The news of Davis' death was confirmed on Sunday
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Davis enjoyed an illustrious career and was the chief conductor of the BBC orchestra from 1989 until 2000.
He was also the principal conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1975 to 1988 and the music director for the Glyndebourne Festival Opera music from 1988 to 2000.