Sir Colin Davis 1927-2013

The world of classical music is mourning the death of the conductor Sir Colin Davis.

He began his musical career as a clarinettist but his ambition was to occupy the podium – to conduct. The path was not easy. A fiery, confrontational young man, Davis was appointed conductor with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in 1957. This was followed by a stint at Sadlers Wells and then the BBC Symphony Orchestra before he became principal conductor at Covent Garden for 15 years.

Sir Colin Davis is probably most recognised as principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 2006. Knighted in 1980 and recipient of the Queen's Medal for Music in 2009 he was a passionate exponent of Mozart and Berlioz. An inspirational and gifted musician Sir Colin Davis will be sorely missed.