In Sunday’s (4/14) Guardian (London), Conal Urquhart writes, “The president of the London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis, has died. Davis, who first conducted the LSO in 1959, died on Sunday after a short illness at the age of 85. ‘He will be remembered with huge affection and admiration by the LSO and our thoughts are with his family at this time,’ the orchestra said in a statement on its website. Davis became principal conductor in 1995 and remained in the position until 2006, after which he was appointed president. He was the longest-serving principal conductor in the LSO’s history. ‘Sir Colin’s role in British musical life was immense. Alongside his commitment to the LSO, he forged special relationships with the Royal Opera House, the BBC [Symphony Orchestra], and the English Chamber Orchestra, as well as mentoring many young performers and conductors at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School,’ the LSO said. … From 1967 to 1971, [Davis] was chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and became music director of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in 1971. Davis also conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Dresden Staatskapelle.”
Posted April 15, 2013
