Sir Andrew Davis: BBC Proms conductor dies aged 80

British conductor Sir Andrew Davis, who performed with many of the world’s best orchestras, has died aged 80 from leukemia.

Sir Andrew was one of the longest serving conductors of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

He was also a familiar face at the BBC Proms concerts in London, where he was noted for his humorous speeches.

His agent confirmed his death to BBC News, adding: “(He lived) a remarkable, rich and meaningful life.”

He added that many would celebrate Sir Andrew’s career “for a long time”.

Tributes to Sir Andrew have poured in after news of his death broke.

In a statement onformerly Twitter, the Royal Opera House wrote: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of conductor Sir Andrew Davis.

“In a career spanning more than five decades, he was the artistic leader of many of the world’s most distinguished operatic and symphonic institutions, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Glyndebourne.”

Musician and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, written the: “Sad to hear of the passing of Sir Andrew Davis. A great musician who was wonderful with his soloists.

“I cherish the memory of a lovely concerto by Delius in 2012 with the Philharmonia Orchestra. RIP“.

The current conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo, written the: “Remembering with the greatest respect and admiration all that Sir Andrew Davis did for music, and in particular for the beloved BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus over many decades.”

Born in 1944 in Hertfordshire, Sir Andrew studied at the Royal College of Music and King’s College, Cambridge, where he was professor of organ before taking up conducting.

He has performed a wide range of repertoire from contemporary to baroque.

Sir Andrew has conducted the Last Night of the Proms on several occasions and, in 1992, delighted the Promenaders by singing the traditional conductor’s speech to a tune from Gilbert and Sullivan.

He has also held international positions, including conducting the Toronto and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras.

He retired from the BBC in 2000 and later moved with his wife to the United States, taking up the position of music director of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Sir Andrew remained in the United States and died in Chicago.