In tune with musicians and fans
AT THE heart of Sir Andrew Davis’s popularity and success as a leading conductor was his ability to connect with musicians and audiences.
Davis’s achievements included 11 years at the helm of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from 1989 to 2000. From 1988 to 2000 he was music director of Glyndebourne Opera. He had spells as chief conductor for the Toronto and Melbourne symphony orchestras, and made numerous appearances at the BBC Proms.
Known for his wide repertoire, with a particular reverence for British composers, Davis’s geniality and expert ear endeared him to orchestras. Soloists often spoke highly of his careful nurturing of their performances.
He was also empathetic towards the audience.When he led the Last Night Of The Proms two weeks after Princess Diana died, he included one of her favourite hymns, I Vow To Thee, My Country, and delivered a solemn speech.
“People said afterwards that it had helped them to come to
terms with what had been such an intensely felt period,” he said.
Andrew Frank Davis was born in Hertfordshire to printer Robert and amateur pianist Florence. He began playing piano aged five and learnt to play the organ as a teenager.
AtWatford Grammar School for Boys, he was a “nerdy kid” who sang in the choir.
He studied at the Royal College of Music and won an organ scholarship to King’s College, Cambridge. Here under the tutelage of notable conductor and organist David Willcocks, he developed a passion for conducting.
After moving to Rome, Davis studied with the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia under Franco Ferrara, but his big break came as an apprentice maestro with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra which secured his post of assistant conductor with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
After retiring from the BBC, he moved to the US with his wife, American soprano Gianna Rolandi, and became principal conductor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Gianna died in 2021.
Davis died of leukaemia and is survived by his son Edward Davis, a composer.