Sir Andrew Davis: decorated MSO conductor dies at 80

Sir Andrew Davis performed with the world’s best orchestras, operas and symphonies – including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He has died at the age of 80.

Celebrated conductor Sir Andrew Davis has died from leukaemia at the age of 80.

With an illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, Davis was an award-winning maestro who performed with many of the world’s greatest orchestras.

Among his accolades was a significant stint with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra where he was chief conductor from 2013-2019.

He also served as artistic director at several distinguished opera and symphonic institutions, including Chicago, Toronto and London.

Sir Andrew Davis, pictured at the Eureka Skydeck, worked in Melbourne for several years and has died from leukaemia. Picture: Manuela Cifra

Tributes have flowed from around the world to commemorate Davis’ death. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra managing director Sophie Galaise said she had been left with a “heavy heart” after learning of his passing.

“During his time (with the MSO), he led the orchestra to some of its highest heights both at home and abroad,” Ms Galaise said to The Australian.

“As well as our shared moments in Hamer Hall – and at the Melbourne Town Hall, Monash and Geelong – Sir Andrew conducted the Orchestra on sold-out tours to the UK and Europe, China and the United States.

“Sir Andrew’s wife, Gianna Rolandi, passed away in 2021 and the MSO shares its deepest sympathies with his son Edward, as well as his friends and family.

“Rest in Peace, Maestro.”

Sir Andrew Davis said working in Melbourne had been like being part of a ‘family’. Picture: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Ms Galaise also shared Davis’ own reflections on his time with the MSO, enshrined in a book celebrating his tenure as chief conductor.

“We have had such incredible musical adventures,” Davis wrote in 2019.

“The thing I really love about this orchestra is the incredible commitment and sense of joy.

“Of all ‘my’ orchestras, it is the way the MSO players appreciate and support each other that stands out. They’re a family.”

As well as tributes from the many orchestras with whom he played, there have also been outpourings of grief from his fans.

Several called him the “finest conductor of his generation”, while current chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra Sakari Oramo said he had the “greatest respect and admiration for everything Sir Andrew Davis did for music”.

Sir Andrew Davis had a passion for regional airports and often organised his itinerary so he could land there en route to bigger cities. Picture: David Caird

Speaking with The Australian in 2013, Davis said he had a good feeling about Melbourne from the very beginning.

“You never know whether something is going to click or not,” he said.

“There are some wonderful orchestras and some wonderful conductors that don’t work well together.

“The minute I stepped on to the podium in front of the Melbourne Symphony, I felt at home.”

Davis was born in Hertfordshire in 1944 and studied at the Royal College of Music and at King’s College at Cambridge.

He passed away in Chicago and is survived by his son, Edward.